Gray seal

The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a large seal of the family Phocidae or "true seals". It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus. Its name is spelled gray seal in the United States; it is also known as Atlantic seal and the horsehead seal.

British and Scandinavian folklore traditions are full of tales about mer-people who can change their forms between grey seal and human. These creatures are best known internationally by the Scottish name, selchie or selkie.

Gray seal in "The Sea Mother's Gift"
In his dream, Dett stood helplessly by as the sea monster Klevey destroyed his village. As Dett attempted to charge into battle against Klevey, he found himself restrained - a gray seal had grabbed his tunic in his mouth. The seal stared at Dett with a look that demonstrated the creature was intelligent, and Dett realized it was no ordinary seal, but one of the Seafolk. Dett begged the Seaman to let him go fight Klevey, but the Seaman shook his head no. Angry at this, Dett the Seaman if he was in league with Klevey, but the Seaman again gestured no, and wept. Dett asked the Seaman "Is there nothing we can do?" The Seaman released Dett abruptly so that he lost his balance. When Dett stood up, he saw that the Seaman was gone. Dett ran through the destroyed village to find that Klevey had already fled, and then woke up from his dream.