The sea plays an important role in cultures all around the world, as the water is the symbol of giving life to the planet and organisms there are many mythical creatures amidst the ocean and creatures within it have been pivotal in the formation of cultures, religions and superstitions in a particular religion.
Hafgufa
This fish is an abnormal phenomenon in the islands of Greenland Sea, though most likely a vanishing island near an undersea volcanoit is believed to be a creature that camouflages itself as an island that is rising from the sea. She burps and calls out the fishes to her and once they gather into her mouth, she would close her mouth and consume them. Considered to be the mother of all sea monsters, she is believed to feed on ANYTHING and everything.
Sisiutl
Considered to be one of the most powerful creatures in the mythology of the natives of the Pacific Northwest Coast, it is known as the Warrior God invincibility, a magic war-canoe, and the guardian of the house of the sky people and is often depicted as a two headed sea serpent or a snake with a human head and hands. He has the ability to either transform itself into a canoe or a salmon or capable of growing large enough to block off the waters of a bay.
Ogopogo
Also known as Naitaka, it is considered to be a sea serpent monster in the Okanaga Lake of British Columbia. He has been reportedly seen by people since the 19th century and is believed to be 40-50 feet long. Due to insufficient sightings and evidence of the beast are undocumented sightings or blurry images on photos they are most likely considered to be canoes or sea otters.
Namazu
In a country of earthquakes, it is not surprising that Japan’s ancient mythology has “blamed” earthquakes to a catfish. Namazu is a giant catfish guarded by the God Kashima. The beast lives beneath the mud, controlled by a stone; however, whenever Kashima’s guard falls, the beast thrashes and causes violent earthquakes. This is considered to be the primary reason that catfishes are sensitive to seismic tremors, making them an early warning system. They become more active before a quake, letting their owners know that misfortune is about to befall them.
Makara
A sea creature from Hindu mythology, the Makar is the vehicle for the goddess Ganga and sea god Varuna. In addition, the Makaraalso is an emblem of the love god Kamadeva. He is often depicted as a half-animal, half-fish creature with a variety of combinations creating him, such as the tail of a fish with the head of an elephant, or the head of a crocodile, an elephant trunk made of fish scales, and a peacock tail. Ornaments depicting Makara (Kamdev) are considered auspicious gifts for brides and used commonly as bridal decorations and other ceremonies relating to weddings.
By : Archa Dave
