Sea serpent

The sea serpent/snake (also known as sea dragon) is one of the mythical sea monsters. Sightings have been reported for centuries and, according to Bruce Champagne's recent work, there are "over 1,200 references" to sea snakes. Sea snakes were observed both from ships and from the coast, often by larger groups of people, sometimes among them scientists. Yet there is "no demonstrable proof of their existence." Sea snake in Nordic mythology Another depiction of a sea snake by Olaa Magna Jörmungandr (otherwise also called Midgardsormr) was a sea snake that, according to Nordic mythology, could circle the world (Midgard). According to some of the narratives, sailors sometimes mistakenly regarded his back as a series of islands. Sea snakes also often appear in Scandinavian folklore, especially in Norway. A number of sea monsters, including the sea snake, appear in the work of Carta Marin of Swedish clergyman and writer Olao Magna: Those sailing along the coast of Norway for trade or fishing tell stunning tales of snakes of terrible size, 30 metres long. At night, this snake leaves its lair and feeds on calves, lambs and pigs, or takes to the sea to eat jellyfish, crabs and their like sea creatures. A meter-long hair hangs from his back, with sharp, black scales and fiery glowing eyes. It can rise from the water like a pillar, attacking vessels and swallowing people. -- Olaus Magnus: History of the Nordic people (Rome 1555) Although many people do not believe in him, several strange findings speak more for the existence of this creature. Several times, the dead bodies of strange animals have already been found in the stomachs of sperm whales, matching the description of sea snakes. However, the most likely explanation for most of the alleged sightings of the sea snake appears to be a giant redhead with a very long, snakelike body and a curiously shaped head, growing up to 15m in length. Interestingly, the sea snake is also found in the mythology of North American Indians, such as the Kvakiutls, who call it Sisutl and believe it has two heads, at both ends of the body one at a time.