Nuggle | Shape-Shifting Water Horse of Shetland

A Nuggle (or Njuggle/Neugle) is a mischievous, shape-shifting water horse from Shetland folklore, similar to the Scottish Kelpie, dwelling in lochs and burns, luring people onto its back with its tempting appearance (often with a wheel-like tail or backwards-growing hair) before galloping towards water to trap or drench them, though it can also manifest as a fiery wheel or stop watermills, but is often considered less malicious than other water spirits. 

Characteristics

• Appearance: Usually a dark, dripping pony with seaweed in its mane, sometimes with hair growing backward or a tail that spins like a wheel.
• Forms: Can also appear as a bundle of clothes or a fiery wheel.
• Habitat: Fresh water lochs, burns (streams), marshes, and near watermills.
• Behaviour: Appears approachable and attractive to lure travellers; once mounted, it races towards water.
• Abilities: Can stop watermills by holding the wheel (tirl) and is frightened by fire, causing it to flee. 

Folklore & Legends

• Mischievous Nature: Often seen as more playful or prankish than truly evil, though its pranks could still lead to people getting soaked or lost.
• Vulnerability to Fire: Dropping a burning peat into the water or using fire could force a nuggle to release its victim or its hold on a mill.
• Location Specific: Certain lochs, like Nukra Water in Whalsay, are named after them as they were believed to be haunts.