In the novel "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon, there is a famous quote about silkies, mythical creatures that can transform from seals into humans. The passage highlights a fantastical belief that these beings shed their skins when they come onto land and that they walk like ordinary people. This concept enriches the story's exploration of identity and transformation.

The quote also introduces a crucial idea that if someone finds a silkie's skin and conceals it, the silkie is unable to return to the sea. This symbolizes the themes of captivity and choice, suggesting that binding someone to the land has profound implications for their freedom and nature. It reflects the tension between the human world and the mystical elements present in the narrative.