Selkie: The Story. (no spoilers)
Well I keep finding myself explaining various plot points or origins every time I post a new selkie picture and corresponding vague blurb, so I thought it would be a good idea to have a central place where you can read up on the story, if you like. The idea is that I'll update the story here when I upload a new illustration, and fill in major plot points which aren't getting covered in the picture, so check back if you're interested. BEFORE I START, I will answer once and for all this question: "Is this from Oengus/Secret of Roan Scottish?" Not really, this story is as similar to either of those as they are to each other: they are all from the same mythology, but this series is about characters who do not exist in another selkie retelling. Here is some reading on basic selkie mythology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selkie,1) Corresponding picture is "Selkie's Bath" A lonely fisherwoman in a vaguely Scottish setting stumbles upon a handsome bathing man- and then sees his seal skin. She takes the skin and hides it, thus binding the selkie to her.,2) Corresponding picture is "New Home" She takes his home, wrapped in a rough blanket. He follows her, because he doesn't know what else to do-- he doesn't really understand what's happening.,3) Corresponding picture is "New Life" The selkie spends the whole night searching for his lost skin, so that he might return to the ocean. The fisherwoman follows silently behind him, neither helping nor distracting him. She is battling her own demons-- guilt over taking a creature from its habitat, and her overwhelming desire for this unearthly creature she doesn't even know. When he doesn't find the skin, he watches the sun rise, realizing he's not going anywhere.,4) Corresponding picture is "Selkie -- 4" Everybody's got to wear clothes, even boys who came from the water. She roots around in her trunk for something suitable, as he delights in the curious fit and feel of clothing on his skin. She is glad to see him smile.,5) Corresponding picture is "Selkie -- 5" An innocent and unintentional seduction. One twilight, he is curious what the fisherwoman's hair feels like. She struggles to remain respectful-- after all, she hardly knows this strange boy, and he doesn't know what he's doing. ,6) Corresponding picture is "Selkie -- 6" The selkie has been enjoying himself, but he's homesick. He tries to return to the sea, only to find that he cannot. The reality of his situation begins to sink in.,7) Corresponding picture is "Selkie -- 7" Time has gone by. The fisherwoman has been trying to keep him a secret, not quite knowing why. But her friends are curious about how she's been spending all her time, so on a market day, they prepare to go into town. The selkie wears his hat special for the occasion.
Lmayuku
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