Legends and Lore: The Mysteries of Scotland’s Loch Ness
Loch Ness is most recognized for her most famous inhabitant, Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. But did you know that Nessie is not the only crazy thing in the area, and there are plenty more tales of the strange and unusual out of the loch as well. We are going to be talking about the history of the Loch, some of the folklore surrounding it, as well as a mostly unknow fact, the well-known occultist Aleister Crowley called the Loch home for a time. And he did some pretty questionable things while living on the Loch.
We will also, of course, talk about Nessie…no good podcast episode on the Loch Ness would be complete with mention of the monster that lives below the waters surface.
So let’s get into it.
Scotland’s Loch Ness is steeped in history and folklore that spans centuries. Its very name evokes images of ancient Celtic tribes, medieval battles, and hidden treasures buried beneath its depths. Tales of brave warriors, ghostly apparitions, and otherworldly creatures have been passed down through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
Loch Ness is a large freshwater lake located in the Scottish Highlands, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of Inverness, Scotland. Size and Depth: Loch Ness is the second largest lake in Scotland by surface area, stretching approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) long and 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) wide. It has a maximum depth of 230 meters (755 feet) and an average depth of 132 meters (433 feet).
It is one of the most famous and mysterious bodies of water in the world, primarily due to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, often affectionately called "Nessie." Which we are going to talk about later on. But Loch Ness is so much more than Nessie.
Loch Ness holds great significance in Scottish culture and history, with a rich tapestry of ancient folklore and legends associated with the lake. Loch Ness and the surrounding area have historical importance as well. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, which is probably what a lot of us a most familiar with when we see a picture of Loch Ness, those iconic castle ruins located on the shores, have witnessed centuries of Scottish history. The castle played a role in various conflicts between rival clans and was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from being used by Jacobite rebels.
Loch Ness is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come in search of the Loch Ness Monster or to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area. The lake offers breathtaking scenery, with its deep waters, rolling hills, and surrounding forests.
Before Nessie dominated Scottish folklore surrounding the loch…there were Kelpies.
Kelpies, or water horse, is a spirit that is said to be able to change its shape and was very commonly associated with the Loch, and really all bodies of water in ’the Scottish Highlands. This mythical creature is deeply rooted in Scottish folklore. The kelpie is said to be a black horse, or horse-like creature, that can shapeshift into human form. Some stories of the Kelpie claim that when it shifts to human form it will keep its hooves and not fully shift to having human feet. Followers of the Christian religion grabbed on to that little detail and quickly associated the Kelpie with the devil.
The origins of the Kelpie are a little spotty but the first time it was mentioned in text was around 1795 in a manuscript written by William Collins.
There are a lot of different variations of the Kelpie and what its purpose or intent is when you encounter one. The folklorist Walter Gregor describes the kelpie as useful, hurtful, or just seeking human companionship. However, in some cases the kelpie will drag its victims into the water only to be eaten.
One of the most common legends of the kelpie usually involves some version of children playing and they see this beautiful black horse , so most of them climb up onto it’s back while there is usually one child remaining who won't be going for a ride…this child would of course be the witness to the kelpie then riding off into the lake with the other children on its back only to devour them and they are never seen again.
Aleister Crowley was a Fairly well-known occultist back in the early 1900’s who identified himself as a prophet that was here to guide humanity. Founder of the Thelema religion. Author of The Book of Law, which was written because Crowley claimed the disembodied voice of the messenger of Horace told him too. He also claimed, very publicly, to be the wickedest man on earth.
Boleskine House is located on the Southeast side of the Loch. Purchased in 189 with the sole purpose of conjuring a demonic guardian angel.
This is apparently a very lengthy process which takes 6 months and there is a ton of prep work involved. It involves several rituals that summon the 12 kings of Hell in which you would then need to bind them and remove their negative influences from your life. While Crowley was in the midst of this 6-month endeavor…he left and went to Paris for something and never finished the rituals to ban the demons that he had summoned.
In addition, he was also performing a lot of black magic rituals in the house and ultimately, he ended up leaving because, as he himself would later claim, the black magic had simply gotten out of hand. Crowley owned the property from 1899 to 1913.
The caretaker of the property had had a lot of bad stuff happen to him and his family while residing at Boleskine house, the most tragic being the loss of 2 of his children. Boleskine House came to be known as the House of the Unholy by the locals as they could hear strange noises and witness unusual and paranormal events in and around the property.
Jimmy Page, the guitarist for Led Zeppelin, purchased Boleskine house in 1970 .and has said that he believes that it is haunted, and he as well as his guests have heard and seen things they can’t explain.
The origins of the Loch Ness Monster can be traced back to ancient Celtic folklore. The Celts believed in a wide array of supernatural creatures, and tales of water-dwelling creatures were common in their mythology. It is possible that these legends laid the foundation for the later Loch Ness Monster myths.
However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the Loch Ness Monster gained significant attention and international fame. The modern legend began on May 2, 1933, when an article was published in the Inverness Courier, a local Scottish newspaper. The article described a sighting by a couple who claimed to have seen an enormous creature with a long neck and humps crossing the road near Loch Ness.
This sighting sparked a surge of public interest, and numerous reports of similar sightings soon followed. People from various walks of life began reporting encounters with a large, unknown creature in the waters of Loch Ness. Some witnesses described a creature resembling a plesiosaur, a long-necked marine reptile believed to have been extinct for millions of years. Others offered different interpretations, but the common thread was a mysterious and elusive creature lurking beneath the surface of the lake.
Over the years, photographs and videos purporting to show the Loch Ness Monster have been captured, intensifying the fascination with Nessie. Perhaps the most famous photograph, known as the "Surgeon's Photograph," was taken in 1934 by Robert Kenneth Wilson. It depicted what appeared to be a long-necked creature rising out of the water. However, this photograph was later revealed to be a hoax, created using a toy submarine with a sculpted head attached.
Despite the skepticism and numerous scientific investigations, the allure of the Loch Ness Monster persists. The lake's murky depths, combined with the vastness of the area, make it a challenging environment for conclusive proof. Sonar readings, underwater expeditions, and extensive searches have been conducted, but no definitive evidence of the creature's existence has been found.
The Loch Ness Monster has become ingrained in popular culture, attracting tourists, researchers, and enthusiasts from all over the world. The legend continues to spark debates, inspire explorations, and fuel the imagination of those captivated by the possibility of an unknown creature inhabiting the depths of Loch Ness.
Whether the Loch Ness Monster is a genuine unidentified creature, a product of misidentifications and hoaxes, or simply a product of folklore and myth, the legend remains an enduring symbol of mystery and wonder. The search for the truth behind the Loch Ness Monster continues, and the legend lives on.
The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, has taken center stage in popular culture, but Loch Ness is so much more. Its size and depth, combined with its historical significance, make it a must-visit destination. From the ruins of Urquhart Castle to the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings, Loch Ness offers a unique experience for adventurers and history buffs alike.
It’s a place shrouded in history, legends, and intrigue. From the ancient legends of the Kelpies to the crazy rituals and mystery of Aleister Crowley and the infamous Boleskine House. Loch Ness is a place shrouded in history, legends, and intrigue and it certainly has no shortage of tales to tell.
Kelpie | Myths and Folklore Wiki | Fandom
The Kelpie, Mythical Scottish Water Horse (historic-uk.com)
The strange story of Aleister Crowley's Loch Ness retreat | The National