The Nuckelavee is one of Orkney’s most feared folkloric creatures—a skinless, horse-like monster fused with a humanoid rider whose exposed muscles and black blood give off a sickening stench. Said to control blight, drought, and disease, it was believed to rise from the sea during winter, chasing travellers across the moorlands with its long, skeletal arms. Islanders claimed only fresh water—such as crossing a stream—could halt the creature’s pursuit.