Water Dwelling Fantasy Characters

Creatures & Mythological Beings that Live in Water

Water dwelling fantasy characters, fantasy characters, creatures, or mythological beings that live in water, have been topics of lore and mythology for centuries. These water beings, some of which can take human forms, originate from cultures all over the world. Whether you think of them as characters, creatures, or beings, they come from myths and legends handed down through the ages. I’ve focused on those beings that can be found in multiples, or have societies, and haven’t included single creatures like the Loch Ness Monster.

In recent research for the finale to the Realm Chronicles series, I compiled this list of water beings and am adding my own flair with a guide for where to find them, what to expect, and precautions for making contact. Keep in mind that when I allude to hunting, I do not mean hunting to kill or injure one of these beings, I mean looking or searching for them.

The Selkie

The Selkie is a new being to me. From Celtic and Norse mythology, the Selkie are shapeshifting seals that can take human form. They take off their fur to shift into human form. Legends say that if you have their fur pelt they become bound to you and the land.

Where to find a Selkie: Coasts along the North Sea
What to expect: Selkies are a very private and protective group. Don’t expect a Selkie to transform into a human in front of you. But if you hang out with them long enough and they’re interested in you, then you may get lucky when you least expect it.
- What to watch out for: In human form Selkies, whether male or female, are very beautiful. Beware of becoming transfixed by these beings. Stealing their pelts is harder than it sounds.

The Nix

Of German origin, the Nix are half-human, half-fish water spirits. They can take human form, but even in their human-like disguises may have a green or blue sheen to their skin, slanted eyes, and pointed ears. They live in intricate, complicated, and elaborate underwater palaces, and I’m going to guess, cities perhaps.

Where to find them: The North Sea… but because they live in deeper waters, finding a Nix is more challenging than finding a Selkie. Be prepared for some cold water diving.
What to expect: The Nix are a proud group and feel they are superior beings to most other species. Dress to impress.
What to watch out for: Hunting Nix underwater means you’re in their territory. Watch your back.

The Kelpies

Kelpies spring from Celtic folklore and are shapeshifting water spirits that live in lakes and rivers. They take the form of black horses, luring victims with their stunning beauty. They transform into nearly human form retaining their hooves. The Kelpies tend to be predators, with legends telling stories of the Kelpies drowning their victims before eating them.

Where to find them: Lakes, rivers, and ponds on the British Isles
What to expect: A net or rope may be good tools.
What to watch out for: Kelpies are storied to be as large as horses and are probably just as strong in the water. Out of water in human form, their hooves can pack quite a punch.

The Mermaids or Merfolk

It is interesting to me that many of these water beings are depicted as female in form. But if these creatures have persisted through the centuries, then it is evident that they must have males within their society. Unless they reproduce asexually, via parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where embryos develop from unfertilized eggs, there must be male Mermaids, so many times I will refer to these beings as Merfolk. Certainly, among Mermaid lore and stories, male Merfolk have been depicted. Like the Nix, Merfolk are half-human, half-fish in form. The Merfolk are not shapeshifters so are not suited to live on land. The Merfolk most often inhabit oceans but may travel into rivers and lakes.

Where to find them: Warmer waters, mostly in tropical climates
What to expect: It is doubtful that you’ll encounter a Merfolk lounging on a rock waiting for an interesting human to appear. You may need to go snorkeling or scuba diving to find one. A boat may be a useful vehicle for finding Merfolk.
What to watch out for: Merfolk have numbers, strength, and stamina in the water. Don’t attempt to abduct or harm one or you’ll have their whole clan to deal with.

The Sirens

Although many times depicted as more dangerous Mermaids, storied by Homer, these creatures are half-bird, half-women beings. In many depictions they appear as predators, luring men into the sea with their songs.

Where to find them: Deep ocean waters
What to expect: A siren sighting is rare. Sound-blocking headphones are a must.
What to watch out for: Don’t let them get you into the water.

The Rusalka

The Rusalka are water creatures of Slavic mythology. They are ghostly water beings, that are lost souls, having died before being baptized or virgins that dies by drowning. They stalk human men, luring them with their beauty. Depending on the Rusalka, they can be dangerous.

Where to find them: Ponds, lakes, river, and streams in Northern Asia and Eastern Europe
What to expect: Rusalka are rarely spotted unless they want to be.
What to watch out for: Be very careful of the Rusalka’s intentions. They can be very crafty and persuasive.

The Borda

A witch-like creature of Italian lore, the Borda appears in swamps and near bogs and marshes on foggy days. Legends say they bind children with rope and kill them.

Where to find them: Swamps, bogs, and marshes in Europe
What to expect: You may think at first that this dark being is a figment of your imagination. Don’t second guess your gut.
What to watch out for: Carry a knife, or several cutting instruments, and keep them handy. The Borda is fast, and their ropes are quite strong.

The Ahuizotl

An Aztec water dog, the Ahuizotl are small-bodied creatures with waterproof fur and hands and feet resembling that of monkeys. In some depictions, the Ahuizotl also have a monkey-like hand on the end of their tales. They lure people with their cuteness and kill innocent victims.

Where to find them: Any body of water in and around Central America
What to expect: Cute beings about the size of a Chihuahua, these waterdogs are fast.
What to watch out for: Dogs hunt in packs. If you see one, there may be others.

The Grindylows

Where to find them: Any body of water in and around Central America
What to expect: Cute beings about the size of a Chihuahua, these waterdogs are fast.
What to watch out for: Dogs hunt in packs. If you see one, there may be others.

The Zin Kibaru

A Zin Kibaru, often referred to as Djinn, having the form of a human, is a blind water spirit originating from the Songhai people of West Africa. A Zin Kibaru is thought to be a dangerous creature that lurks in the Niger River. In addition, it can command fish.

Where to find them: Niger River, Africa
What to expect: Don’t expect to catch any fish unless the Zin Kibaru favors you.
What to watch out for: The Zin Kibaru is fabled to be a deadly breed, be kind to their environment.

The Hippocamp

The Hippocamp are half-seahorse, half-horse beings rooted in Greek mythology. Generally considered safe, these beings are much like horses to humans.

Where to find them: Warm waters of the Mediterranean or other tropical seas or oceans
What to expect: Shy beings, these creatures may take a while to trust you. But patience will be rewarded as they can be quite loyal.
What to watch out for: Hippocamp are large creatures and not to be trifled with. But if your intent is pure, you may make a friend.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these water beings. I’ve also collected a list of books featuring these characters that will be posted on my blog. Follow my blog below to get the next installment.

To save or share this list, download the document with link below or copy this link to my blog post.

Best of luck in your hunting pursuits!

Tricia

More about me below.

Water Dwelling Fantasy Characters by Tricia Copeland Download

Award-winning and best-selling author Tricia Copeland believes in magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Her Realm Chronicles young adult fae fantasy series begins with To be a Fae Queen. The Kingdom Journals crossover young adult urban fantasy series begins with Kingdom of Embers. Find all her titles from contemporary romance, to fantasy, and dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.

Water Dwelling Fantasy Creatures