#tellafairytaleday

[blairstales]

Want a love story about a #Waterhorse and a human? Today I am sharing the Scottish folktale, "The Kelpie's Chimney"

Before getting to the story, let’s go over some basic details.

The Kelpies Chimney is a folktale from Loch Garve. Technically, the fairy in this tale should be an each-uisge, not a kelpie, but the folktale called him a kelpie in both the title and the story, so that is how I will keep it.

There are a few different versions of this story with minor differences, so I did my best to merge them in a way that still feels like a fairytale.

Deep within the icy depths of Loch Garve lived a kelpie, a creature of shifting forms and insatiable hunger. He often ventured onto land — cloaked in the guise of a sleek black horse — to lure prey into the loch’s cold embrace. One fateful evening, as mist rolled across the moor, he encountered a woman. Ensnared by his beauty, she climbed onto his back, unaware of the trap awaiting her.

The kelpie pulled her into the water’s depths, his dark intent clear. Yet as she gazed upon his true form beneath the waves—a powerful, otherworldly being—her eyes betrayed no fear.

For the first time, the kelpie hesitated. He stared at his prey, seeing not food, but something inexplicably different. She, in turn, looked at him not with terror, but with awe.

On a whim, he shifted to his human form, and her expression softened.

Sunlight cast rays that shifted with the movement of the waters, lighting up both their features in an ethereal shimmering light. In that moment, they were inexplicably bewitched with each other. Against all odds, prey and predator fell in love.

After gifting her with the ability to breathe under water, he took her to his home deep beneath the waves to be his wife.

For a time, they were blissfully happy. However, as days upon days passed by and the chill of winter crept closer, that happiness began to trickle away from his wife.

“It is so cold,” she whispered one day, her voice tinged with sadness.

Her lament grew louder with time. Though she had left the warmth of the mortal world behind, her heart yearned for it still. The kelpie, unused to considering the needs of others, resisted at first. But her sorrow weighed heavy on him, and at last, he resolved to act.

Taking his horse form, he galloped to the Highlands’ greatest builder. The man awoke to a furious pounding at his door, and upon opening it, he beheld a stallion of otherworldly beauty. Its coat shone like polished obsidian, its eyes gleaming with an intelligence no ordinary beast possessed.

Entranced, the builder stroked the creature’s muzzle, marveling at its calm demeanor despite its earlier ruckus. Surely, this horse belonged to some wealthy landowner.

Being a good and honest man, the builder decided to return it to its rightful home. He mounted the horse, intending to ride to the nearest village.

The moment he settled upon its back, the creature’s demeanor shifted. The coat — once soft and sleek — became impossibly sticky under his hands, gluing every part where he touched to it’s hide. Panic surged through the builder as he realized he was stuck.

The horse – whom the builder now knew really to be a kelpie – took off at a speed faster than any horse should be able to reach, and the builder screamed, begging aloud that he would do anything to not die.

“I’ll do anything! Please, anything!”

The kelpie did not reply. He plunged into the icy water, dragging the builder down, down, into the shadowed depths.

The man thrashed, lungs burning, until he could hold his breath no longer. Yet when he finally exhaled, expecting to drown, he found he could breathe.

At the bottom of the loch stood a quaint stone hut. At the door, the kelpie released the human, but loomed over the man threateningly.

“You swore you’d do anything to save your life.” The Kelpie said. “Now, you will honor that promise. Build me a chimney—one that can warm the waters of this loch.”

The builder, bewildered, stammered, “A chimney? But no fire can burn underwater!”

The kelpie’s dark eyes gleamed. “That is not your concern. Build it.”

And so, with no other choice, the builder set to work.

The kelpie watched the progress carefully, and only rested when his wife lectured him for intimidating them man.

When the finally finished, the chimney stood tall and proud, its design both elegant and sturdy—a marvel unlike anything crafted on land.

The kelpie inspected the work, then ignited a flame within. To the builder’s astonishment, the fire burned bright, its heat spreading through the watery home. The kelpie’s wife cried out in delight, and the kelpie smiled with relief.

Grateful for the builder’s skill, the kelpie offered a rare gesture of thanks. “Cast your nets in this loch whenever you wish,” he said. “They will never come up empty.”

True to his word, the builder was returned safely to land. From that day forward, his family never went hungry, and his name became legend.

And as for Loch Garve, its surface still bears a secret. Even in the harshest winters, a single patch of water remains unfrozen, warmed by the kelpie’s fire. Some say that on quiet nights, you can see a faint glow beneath the waves—and hear the laughter of a woman who found love in the most unexpected place.

[tonyastahlrealtor]

Ah, yes - a dream home true! 🙌

Happy National 𝓣𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓪 𝓕𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓮 Day 😉😂

[shldbwriting]

Dance Among the Foxglove

Finding foxglove means leaving Fereylind #tellafairytaleday #fairytale #shortstory #amwriting #writingcommunity #readingcommunity #storytelling

Today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day. I thought it might be a great excuse to check in on Princess Vialait in Fereylind. Princess of Fereylind was inspired by a half-buried dead-end sign I found while out walking. Dance Among the Foxglove Photo by Larry Siegel on Pexels.com Vialait couldn’t wait for her parents’ impending wedding. It was only days away, and the entirety of Fereylind was preparing…

[bestmessage]

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day Messages & Quotes

Celebrate this day by storytelling fairy tales to children around you along with sharing warm National Tell a Fairy Tale Daywishes and greetings with everyone. Wish them all with National Tell a Fairy Tale Day quotes and sayings to remind everyone to tell a tale to the little kids.

[playfulsparksp]

📚✨ Happy Tell a Fairy Tale Day 2024! 🧚‍♀️✨ Today, let's journey into the enchanting world of fairy tales, where magic knows no bounds and dreams take flight!

🏰✨ Whether it's the timeless classics or modern tales, fairy tales have a special place in our hearts, sparking imagination and wonder in both young and old alike. Let's celebrate the power of storytelling as we weave tales of bravery, kindness, and adventure. 📖💫

So gather 'round, dear friends, as we embark on a whimsical adventure filled with knights, princesses, dragons, and fairies! Let your imagination run wild as you share your favorite fairy tales with loved ones, transporting them to faraway lands where anything is possible. 💖✨

And while you're lost in the magic of storytelling, don't forget to visit www.playfulsparks.com/blog for exciting news, articles, and inspiration to fuel your creative journey! 🌟✨

Let's make today a celebration of the timeless art of storytelling and the endless possibilities it holds. Happy Tell a Fairy Tale Day! 📚🎉

#TellAFairyTaleDay #FairyTales #Storytelling #Imagination #Magic #Adventure #PlayfulSparks #Blog #ExcitingNews #CreativeJourney #Inspiration #DreamBig #SpreadMagic #CelebrateWithUs #Playfulsparks #ForHire #LookingFor #Illustrator #Creative #Kidlit #Childrensbookillustrator #Author #Disney #Art #AnimationStudio #Mimai #Marketing #Advertising #Viral #Trending

[jamieroxxartist]

Today, Feb 26, 2023 is National #TellaFairyTaleDay!(https://nationaltoday.com/tell-a-fairy-tale-day)*Fun Fact: This was a larger Painting and it was purchased by a Warden of a Female Prison in the Southwest for her Office.  Can you imagine some prisoner has to go see the warden and walks into her office and Boom!  There's Maleficent looking at her?!!  Whoa! I suppose that could be either a Good Sign, or a bad sign, you know depending on the situation. :)  a Custom #Commissioned #Painting I painted a couple of years ago:‘#Maleficent (#AngelinaJolie ) #Disney’2014, acrylic & oil blend on canvas, 24"x30"by @ArtistJamieRoxx #JamieRoxx (www.JamieRoxx.us)This Sold Painting is Not Available.

[dreamworksanimation]

What's your favorite fairy tail'? #TellAFairyTaleDay #PussInBoots

[bigbirdbeckum]

Erzähle-ein-Märchen-Tag - und keiner erzählt mir ein #Märchen. Greife ich eben zur alten Konserve! #ErzaehleEinMaerchenTag #TellAFairyTaleDay

[lizdejesus23]

Today is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day!! What better way to celebrate than to read some fairy tales or stories inspired by them! Check out The Frost Series or Zombie Ever After. Available now! #nationaltellafairytaleday #tellafairytaleday2019 #tellafairytaleday #fairytales #bookstagram #bookishfeatures #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #indiepub #indiepublishing #booknerd #booknerdigan https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWJd0Fg-Pj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lxc5kg9l8kkj

[sfc-paulchambers]

• @natdaycal Today comes with a brand-new National Day, a good one too. I know I'm looking forward to witnessing examples of kindness, how about you? #SetAGoodExampleDay #TellAFairyTaleDay #NationalPistachioDay Did you know, tomorrow never comes? That is why we Celebrate Every Day. Tag @NatDayCal with your favorite way to celebrate the over 1,500 National Days. https://www.instagram.com/p/CacIeAhOGqk/?utm_medium=tumblr

[kislak-center]

Today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day! To celebrate, we are looking at Lafcadio Hearn’s translation of the Japanese fairy tale “The Goblin Spider”. This edition, published by the innovative publisher Hasegawa Takejirō, features exquisite illustrations of the story. Bound in the double leaf fukurotoji style and printed on crepe paper, the book has a unique, soft texture that makes it as delightful to hold as it is to read. Call number: AC85 H3518 898b http://ow.ly/2Iuv30fUEeI * * * #KislakCenter #Tellafairytaleday #pennlibraries #specialcollections #lafcadiohearn #fukurotoji #fairytale #japanesebookbinding #rarebook #spider #artoftheday #illustration

[playfulsparksp]

Saga of the Ethereal: Delving into the Depths of Myth and Magic

Embark on a journey into the enchanting realm of myth and magic with 'Saga of the Ethereal.' Dive into whimsical tales and discover the magic of storytelling. ✨📖 #TellAFairyTaleDay #PlayfulSparks #MythAndMagic #Playfulsparks #PlayfulsparksProductionBDP #

In the enchanting myth and magic of storytelling, where imagination reigns supreme, there’s a special day that sparkles brighter than the rest – Tell a Fairy Tale Day! Join us on February 26, 2024, as we dive into the magic of storytelling and celebrate the timeless tales that capture our hearts. Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of creativity, PlayfulSparks unveiled a tale as old as time –…

[tachyonpub]

It's #NationalFairyTaleDay! Though technically it's Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Are you telling an old classic? A fractured favorite? Or perhaps making up something new? . . . #tellafairytaleday #fairytale #fairytailedit #folktales #books #bookstagram #bookstack #fantasybooks #fantasybook #janeyolen #petersbeagle #patriciaamckillip #lisagoldstein #nancyspringer #michaelcadnum #booklife #bookspines https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Cd4WeAJ7l/?igshid=1i4xb6s7pw8og

[daretodreamwithwendy]

You may think of the as just another nut, but that is where you are so wrong! That little green beauty has so much potential! Think about pistachio ice cream, pistachio crusted salmon, pistachio honey chicken, cranberry & pistachio salad, pistachio & pretzel chocolate bark, pistachio shortbread cookies... The list could go on forever! Go make something yummy! Today is also

[yourstreetbedford]

Here's a #nationalday I can relate to #marketing & #branding.... #tellafairytaleday .... The #content , #creative , #tone & #messaging we use in our #advertising , tells a #story ... of why our #brand or #service is the one to choose.... kinda like a #glassslipper .... which #consumer does our brand fit.... Visit us at bedfordstmarketing.com or click link in bio to learn more about us .. #fantasy #fairy #love #magic #photography #nature #art #princess #illustration #disney #rybak #fairytales #magical #winter #forest #drawing (at Downtown Stamford) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9CqlP9pcuz/?igshid=3ozzjrzo6o74

[fair-oaks-antiques]

Dropping some storied facts on National Tell A Fairy Tale Day ;)

At a time in history when the tradition of oral storytelling was fading, The Brothers Grimm collected and published some of the fairy tales we still know today. One of the tales collected,  Rumpelstiltskin, was especially tricky as the little dude went by many names in different countries. In Ireland, he was Trit-a-trot; in Scotland, Whuppity Stoorie; in Iceland, Gilitrutt; in Arabic, he was known as Joaidane "He who talks too much".  

Illustration by Walter Crane from Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm (1886)