Watch HDToday. Seals were believed to be former human beings who voluntarily sought death in the ocean. Once a year, on the Thirteenth night, they were allowed to come on land, strip off their skins and amuse themselves as human beings, dancing and enjoying themselves. This short film explores the legend of Kópakonan, literally meaning “the Seal Woman”, one of the best-known folktales in the Faroe Islands.