Here There Be Monsters!

During the age of exploration, sailors imagined many different types of sea monsters during their travels. The Age of Exploration, or the Age of Discovery, took place from the 15^th to 17^th century, when sailors explored their way around Europe. They were Spanish, French, English, Dutch and Portuguese. Some explorers, namely Christopher Columbus, began to colonize different lands, such as the Americas.

Something interesting about this period was the way mapmakers created maps, not only for navigation but also as unique pieces of art. A typical illustration was the use of ships. These ships were either engaged in battle or surrounded by sea monsters. Sea monsters, land animals, flora and fauna were illustrated on the maps as an example of how little the explorers knew about the undiscovered places they would travel.

There were many different sea creatures of all shapes and sizes with a unique story behind them. Most of these creatures were known for their enormous size and ability to instill fear in anyone who crossed their path.

The ichthyocentaur, part human, horse and fish (fish centaur), is portrayed on one map of Scandinavia from the 16th century. This sea creature represents peacefulness, perhaps suggesting safe passage. Traditionally, it is shown blowing on a conch shell to raise or calm a storm.

The bakunawa, a serpent-like dragon, is a creature from Philippine mythology. It is usually portrayed with a looped tail and a horn on its nose. The bakunawa was said to be the cause of some natural disasters, like earthquakes, wind and rain.

The cirein-cròin is known as the giant Scottish sea serpent in Gaelic folklore. This creature is one of the most terrifying sea creatures of the time in the Scottish Gaelic folklore tradition. This creature was said to have disguised itself as a silverfish to trick the fishermen or to avoid being noticed while it searched for its next prey.

Known for its demonic nature and depicted as either a whale or a sea turtle, the devil whale was said to be enormous in size and to have the ability to swallow ships whole. The devil whale gets its name because when the sailors start a fire, the devil whale attacks the ship and drags it to the bottom of the sea.

According to myths, the Kraken or the many-armed monster is one of the largest sea creatures ever depicted. Some say this creature measured up to 1.5 miles. This creature was said to live around Norway or Iceland, depicted in Norwegian stories with limbs so large that they resembled octopus tentacles.

The hafgufa or whale creature is well-known in Norwegian literature, inhabiting Icelandic waters and is sometimes mistaken for an island due to its great size. This creature is depicted in the ancient 13th-century Norwegian literary work Konungs skuggsjá (The King’s Mirror).

The hippocampus, or the sea horse from Greek mythology, literally means “horse monster.” The creature has the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish. The Greek god Poseidon could be put into the hippocampus category.

The Iku-Turso, a sea monster from Finnish mythology, is well known for its appearance in the Finnish work of epic poetry, Kalevala. The term “tursus” means walrus, but the more common name for this creature is “mustekala,” which resembles a modern-day octopus.

One of the more commonly known creatures of folklore, the mermaid has the torso of a human female and the tail of a fish. Mermaids are depicted in many different regions, including in Europe, Africa and Asia. Mermaids can either be a sign of good or bad luck, depending on the myth, sometimes causing storms and other times fortunate events.

The sea monk was a creature that appeared to have the head of a priest but the body of a fish. The sea monk was supposedly found in the Danish Sea in 1546, resembling a fish wearing a monk’s outfit.

The sea bishop is similar to a sea monk with the head of a priest and the body of a fish. This fish was supposedly taken to see the King of Poland around the 16th century. The sea bishop, or bishop-fish, was shown to a group of Catholic bishops, who granted him a wish. The key difference seems to be that the sea bishop is described as having two legs while the sea monk is noted as having a tail.

Sirens were typically half woman and half mermaid. In mythology, notably in The Odyssey, they were creatures with beautiful, hypnotizing voices that distracted the sailors on the way to their destination. Sirens are portrayed in literature to be a symbol of temptation.

The umibōzu is a creature from Japanese folklore meaning “sea priest.” This creature supposedly appeared to sailors while in calm waters but then turned the waters tumultuous. The umibōzu is also known for demanding a barrel from the sailors but then drowning them.

Learning about the Age of Exploration and discovering different sea creatures will hopefully inspire you to check out some of our historical tours at Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. We offer a high seas adventure that is sure to get your blood pumping as you enjoy the fresh wind in your face! You’ll travel back in time and sail on the original Lady Washington, just as they did in the 1700s and 1800s. You’ll even haul lines, set sails and sing sea shanties while learning about American maritime exploration throughout the years. Find more information on our website and book your first adventure today!