Kelpie is a fairy from the anime Earl and Fairy, and one of the key figures in the life of the fairy doctor Lydia Carlton. His character is defined by his origins as a dangerous, man-eating water horse and the profound change he undergoes after meeting Lydia.

Kelpie does not have a personal name; the name Kelpie refers to his species of water horse, and he is known simply by that term. In his dealings with humans, he typically appears as a tall, handsome young man with dark, curly hair and distinctive eyes that feature white, swirling pupils. This alluring human form is a mask for his true nature: a fierce, enormous black horse that lives in the water. As a member of the Unseelie Court, the court of malevolent fairies, his kind traditionally lures humans to a watery grave, devouring everything but their liver.

His personality is a study in contrasts. To most people, Kelpie is arrogant, impolite, and tyrannical, showing little care for human life and not hesitating to abandon others if they are in danger. However, his behavior towards Lydia Carlton is entirely different. He is deeply kind, gentle, and fiercely protective of her, always putting her safety above all else. This devotion is so strong that he repeatedly proposes marriage to her, despite being rejected every time. While he can be aggressive and somewhat possessive in his pursuit of her, his feelings are genuine, and he often comforts her when she is confused or distressed.

Kelpie’s motivations are rooted in his background and his unique bond with Lydia. He first met her in Scotland through an incident involving his younger brother, who had fallen in love with a human woman. Unlike most humans who fear him as a monster, Lydia did not. She treated him as an individual, an act that profoundly impressed him and changed his view of humanity, at least where she was concerned. This encounter led him to see Lydia not as food, but as someone he wished to live with and protect. He acknowledges her as the first fairy doctor to have tamed a water horse. His primary motivation becomes to stay by her side, following her from Scotland to London when she leaves. He seeks to claim her for himself, but his ultimate desire is her well-being, even if it means respecting her choices.

In the story, Kelpie serves as a powerful protector and a persistent rival to Edgar Ashenbert for Lydia’s affection. He constantly intervenes to save Lydia from physical danger, often using his abilities to rescue her and even, inadvertently, her companions. Despite his wish to take her away to the fairy world, he demonstrates considerable respect for her feelings. After Lydia chooses to marry Edgar, Kelpie does not oppose their union, even though he knows Edgar’s secret nature as a Prince. He steps back, respecting Lydia’s happiness above his own desires. His role expands over time to include other characters, as he shows growing concern for Ermine, frequently saving her from danger, giving her advice, and ultimately granting her final wish.

His key relationships center on Lydia, but extend to her family and associates. His bond with Lydia is the core of his character, as she is the sole reason for his loyalty and changed nature. He shares a rivalry with Edgar, whom he sees as dangerous for Lydia, yet he will work with him when her safety is at stake. Over time, he develops a protective relationship with Ermine. Even after Lydia gives birth to her son, Alvin, Kelpie continues to live near the family and helps care for the boy, even though Alvin is somewhat afraid of him.

Kelpie undergoes significant development from a traditional, man-eating fairy into a devoted and noble guardian. His initial view of humans as mere prey is completely overturned by Lydia’s influence, teaching him to value an individual life beyond his own species’ instincts. He transforms from an aggressive pursuer who tries to trick or force Lydia into a contract, to a being who accepts her rejection and supports her from the sidelines. His capacity for loyalty expands beyond Lydia as he begins to care for others like Ermine and Alvin, showing a growing empathy that was originally foreign to him.

As a fairy, Kelpie possesses several notable abilities. His primary power is his dual form, shifting between a human guise and his true, powerful water horse form. He has strong magical powers, including the ability to bewitch both men and women with his distinctive eyes. One of his most crucial skills is the ability to purify water, which he demonstrates by cleansing toxins and poisons from a person’s body. He is incredibly strong and fast, capable of rescuing Lydia from nearly any peril, and he can recuperate quickly from injuries when he is in water.