There are 2 answers behind the meaning of this literally, grandiose work of art!
What do the Kelpies represent?
The name of the sculptor is… Andy Scott and perhaps this is the largest piece of art he has ever made(until 2013). 30 metres high, 300 hundred tones each head of mixed steel. Placed in Helix Park in Falkirk this monument was ready for the public’s cameras on the October 2013.
So, there are thousands or more ways to enjoy this beautiful attraction. Just move around it and between it and you will always find a new way to capture the Kelpies…
Under the sun, in the rain, with clouds, in bright light, during the night… (special light visualizations take place when it is dark)
Whenever you decide to go you will get a unique visual joy and your photographs will be like trophies for the rest of your life.
But what do they represent anyway?
Is there a meaning behind the giant horse heads named Kelpies?
Is there a story or a legend behind that?
The answer is YES to all.
According to sculptor Andy Scott,
“The original concept of mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures.”
He also said that he,
“…took that concept and moved with it towards a more equine and contemporary response, shifting from any mythological references towards a socio-historical monument intended to celebrate the horse’s role in industry and agriculture as well as the obvious association with the canals as tow horses”.
The Kelpies is a monument built to honour and celebrate the horses that have been part of Scotland’s development through the years, playing a huge role in the industry and agriculture.
They have been part of the workforce.
”The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coal-ships that shaped the geographical layout of the Falkirk area.” .. according to the Falkirk’s Herald.
-But he said that the original starting point had to do with mythical water horses…-
‘Scots’ is an old variety of Scottish language that was more or less faded out after the 16th century.
In the Scots language, Kelpie or water kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lakes (lochs) and pools of Scotland. Loch Ness is a Kelpie.
Transforming spirits appearing running on the waters possessing the strength and endurance of 10 horses. They would transform into humans or creatures or they would create anomalies on the surface of the waters. To scare someone? To protect? Is it a demon with bad intentions for humans or animals or is it a God sent spirit sent to improve and look after the wellness of its area? All these questions could be answered affirmatively…
Almost every loch (lake) of Scotland has a folklore Kelpie story and the Kelpies have been part of the tradition in Scotland since always most probable. I can imagine stories and books, story-tellers in schools and of course, my favourite Loch Ness.
Travelling in countryside Scotland and the Highlands, the atmosphere is so magic, so folklore that stories like this about water spirits on the thousands of lakes and rivers are at least inspiring if not…real!
So, take a better look at the lochs and you may see a Kelpie. Don’t worry if you don’t see it.
It sees you! 🙂
Thanx Falkirk.
(used some wiki for that)
The Purpose 