Discovering the Isle of Man’s Haunting Legends at Nikkesen’s Pool

The Isle of Man is steeped in folklore, with tales of fairies, goblins, and water spirits weaving through its history. As the annual celebration of Hop Tu Naa approaches, the island’s eerie legends gain renewed interest. Among these stories is that of **Nikkesen’s Pool**, a site rich with haunting narratives that continue to capture imaginations.

The pool, located in the **Awin Ruy** near its junction with the **Glen Roy** river, is not easily accessible, but its mystique draws adventurers. To explore this enchanting location, I consulted “A Guide to the Folklore Sites of the Isle of Man” authored by **James Franklin**, **Sam Hudson**, and **Katie Newton**. Their insights provided me with the directions I needed to reach the site.

On my visit, I received warm hospitality from local landowner **Steve Karran**, who not only granted me permission to explore but also guided me to the pool. According to local legend, Nikkesen is a water sprite that sometimes takes the form of a horse or a charming young man, luring unsuspecting individuals, particularly young girls, into his watery domain.

During full moon nights, Nikkesen is said to lead a ghostly procession of his victims in a dance around a nearby meadow, an event witnessed by those fortunate enough to be above ground. The origins of the name ‘Nikkesen’ trace back to Germanic and Old Norse roots, meaning water sprite, a fitting title for such a captivating figure in Isle of Man folklore.

The pool itself is shrouded in mystery, with claims that it is bottomless. Intriguingly, the water level remains unchanged regardless of rainfall, adding to its allure. Before venturing to Nikkesen’s Pool, I made a brief stop at **Phynnodderee’s Pool**, located nearby. This site is known for a tragic incident in the 1950s when a local man lost his life there, leading to its nickname, the drowning pool.

Phynnodderee, a benevolent sprite resembling a satyr, is said to inhabit this picturesque spot, which is fed by a gentle waterfall. Locals recount tales of the phynnodderee helping with laborious tasks in exchange for food. Steve led me through steep fields, sharing stories of the area, including an old fireplace used by miners from the nearby Glen Roy mines.

The path to Nikkesen’s Pool required walking up the river briefly, but the effort was worthwhile. Upon arrival, the serene beauty of the pool enveloped me, the soothing sound of the water creating a sense of calm. However, I felt an undeniable shift in atmosphere as I approached the Nikkesen’s site.

An unsettling aura surrounded the pool, enclosed by towering rocks and dense vegetation. This natural confinement amplified its mystique, evoking images of a prehistoric era. The narrow space funneled steam into the deep waters, reinforcing the belief that it might indeed be bottomless. Although I was tempted to investigate further, caution prevailed.

The most chilling tale associated with Nikkesen’s Pool involves a young girl from **Ballaquine**. Tasked with locating some lost calves, she ventured close to the pool. Upon hearing what she believed to be the calves across the river, she called out, “Kebeg! Kebeg! Kebeg!” Her cries echoed in the valley, but then a thick mist rolled in, obscuring her surroundings.

A voice responded through the mist, “Kebeg’s here! Kebeg’s here!” The girl replied, “I’m comin’! I’m comin’!” Tragically, that was the last time anyone saw her. The locals suggest that she was claimed by the fairies residing in Nikkesen’s domain.

As I stood at the edge of the pool, I felt the weight of its lore. The atmosphere grew more intense, and the surrounding foliage heightened the sense of isolation. The rocks loomed above, creating a claustrophobic environment that was both captivating and intimidating.

While the beauty of the area was undeniable, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should leave the legendary Nikkesen undisturbed. I was not ready to become the latest story woven into the fabric of the Isle of Man’s haunting folklore. As I retraced my steps, the memories of Nikkesen’s Pool lingered, a reminder of the enchanting yet eerie legends that continue to shape the island’s identity.