Out of your skin and into bondage…
I was approached about doing an anthology about an unusual form of shapeshifting: The Selkie, as known as a seal shapeshifter.
The legend is tragic, has the potential for a beautiful plot, but can it be redeemed?
The legend, very similar to the swam-maiden lore, conveys shapeshifting as a type of second skin that is shed. These creatures, both swam and seal, are said to be beautiful enchantress’ that draw men to them.
When they shed their skin they become human and are able to walk among the humans. A selkie can only make contact with one particular human for a short amount of time before they must return to the sea. They are not able to make contact with that human again for seven years, unless the human is to steal their selkie’s skin and hide it or burn it. If this happens, they are bound as humans.
If someone finds their skin, they are able to hide it, lock it away, and force their Selkie lovers into marriage. Ouch. Talk about starting a relationship out on the wrong foot! After the wife bears her husband children, they often grow and tell their mothers where their skins are hidden. It is said, they drop everything and return to the sea.
A woman can call a Selkie man to her by crying seven tears into the sea at high tide. If she steals his skin, she too can bind him to her.
The swam maiden lore is almost identical but talks about the swam feathers as a “magical robe of feathers.” Their children sing songs that hint where they can find their feathers. Once found, they fly away.
A great example of the Selkie myth (is it though?) in modern culture is The Secret of Roan Inish, an excellent, beautiful movie set in Ireland. Gorgeous cinematography.
My question to you: Can a successful romance be built around such a tragic tale? Give me your thoughts and feel free to tell about any other unusual shapeshifting legends you know!
Posted by: AJ Hampton
Shapeshifter Romance 