Kelpie is one of the most feared creatures of all Scotland. This supernatural beast, known to haunt lakes and rivers, also liked to take the form of a peaceful horse, to better attract its victims, before devouring them in its lair.
Under a pontoon of Loch Lomond, the inhabitants knew that was the territory of a kelpie. Sometimes, it could be heard screaming. A sound so terrifying that everyone agreed that it compared to the cries of the hellhounds.
One day, Douglas Buchin, a village farmer driven by greed, saw a black horse wandering on the edge of the Loch. Suspecting the real nature of the animal, he was careful not to ride it, or he would end up at the bottom of the river. The only way to dominate it was to give him a bridle. Discreetly, he approached and before the fake horse could react, he grabbed its muzzle and fixed the bridle. The dice were thrown. The kelpie was a prisoner.
If a free kelpie could show superhuman strength, it was also the case when in servitude. A boon to the ambitious farmer, who wanted to build a beautiful manor in the place of his home, more beautiful than all those in the county. Harnessed to pull heavy loads, the horse was used to build the immeasurable work.
To keep such an efficient worker, Douglas Buchin had given instructions. At no time and under no circumstances should the horse’s bridle be released. Everything went well for many years, to the point that the kelpie appeared to all as a pet.
One day, one of the young workers on the farm went to the paddock and made friends with the animal. It must be said that the horse did not hesitate to throw him looks inviting pity. To allow the black horse to eat well, he loosened its bridle.
What a wrong decision. Immediately freed, the kelpie uttered a demonic laugh and pronounced the next curse. All the stones he had brought would return to the earth, and nothing could ever be built there.
No sooner said than done. The manor collapsed and no trace remained, to the great despair of Douglas Buchin. Being a little too pretentious, he had only managed to be unhappy.