Nuckelavee
The Nuckelavee (also Nuckalavee, Knucker) is the most terrifying creature in Orkney folklore — a skinless horse-like centaur from the sea whose breath withers crops and spreads disease. Its name derives from the Orcadian Norn 'knoggelvi' meaning devil of the sea. The nuckelavee has the torso of a man fused to the back of a horse-like body, with all its muscles, sinews, veins, and organs exposed because it has no skin. Its single red eye burns like fire and its mouth gapes with no lips. The creature emerges from the sea during prolonged dry spells or when water is polluted, bringing drought, pl