8. Selkies

Mythical Creatures

Fantasy writer Rhianna Pratchett takes us across an enchanted British Isles to discover mythical creatures that lurk in all corners of the land. She uncovers what they can tell us about our history, our world and our lives today.

In this episode, Rhianna heads to the Scottish coast to meet shape-shifting sea creature, the Selkie. Selkies are seals in the water but can remove their seal skins and become humans on the land.

Rhianna explores the best known Selkie story, The Selkie Wife. She delves into what it reveals about some murky parts of our own history, and asks how it can be used to empower and help people today.

Storyteller: Shona Cowie Other Contributors: Sharon Blackie, Lari Don

Presenter: Rhianna Pratchett Producers: Lorna Skingley and Sarah Harrison Executive Producer: Mel Harris Production Manager: Nikki Cannon Original Music by Ben MacDougall Sound Design and Mixing: John Scott

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4