Nat Geo Explores Why So Many Old Maps Are Covered in Sea Monsters, And The Reason May Surprise You

Olaus Magnus

The pervasive belief among our ancestors that the seas harbored monstrous creatures is vividly depicted in early Renaissance maps, revealing the depth of their fear.

As far back as the 9th century, Arab historians like Abū Zayd al-Sīrāfī disregarded tales of sea serpents recounted by sailors from China and India.


However, this skepticism took longer to permeate European scholastic traditions, as evidenced by the continued presence of images of “sea swine,” “sea orms,” and “pristers” on maps as late as the 15th century.

Among these maps, the Carta Marina stands out as an iconic representation of European fears during the Renaissance. Originally published in 1538 by Swedish ecclesiastic Olaus Magnus, it boasted an unprecedented level of detail in depicting Scandinavia.

Olaus Magnus

Close to the coast of Norway, sailors’ accounts prompted Magnus to illustrate a scene of a sea serpent assaulting a ship, believed to be a mythical creature referred to as a “sea orm.” Scholars speculate that this creature drew inspiration from various marine animals such as whales, squids, or sea lions.

In a subsequent account, Magnus described the sea orm as capable of emerging from the sea and snatching unsuspecting sailors directly from their decks. He detailed its immense size, measuring 200 feet in length – twice the size of a blue whale – and boasting a grith of 20 feet.

While the map does features depictions of whales, identified by their Latin name “balena,” Magnus’s illustrations diverge from the conventional appearance of these creatures. Resembling more boars than balena, the whales exhibit long tusks and possess two blowholes instead of the usual single one. Notably, these unconventional whales are portrayed attacking ships off the coast of Iceland.

Olaus Magnus

Accounts of mythical “sea swine” date back to ancient Greece, but Magnus’s illustrations of them, marked ‘E’ on the map, featured webbed “dragon’s feet” and a single eye toward the beast’s belly, adding to their fearsome appearance.

Another creature featured alongside the balena/boar hybrid is the prister, also purportedly measuring 200 feet in length according to Magnus. Intriguingly, Magnus claimed that this creature could be repelled by the sound of a trumpet. A depiction near Iceland in his Carta Marina illustrates a sailor employing this unconventional method, while further westward, another beast labeled as a “prister” emerges resembling a sea orm, albeit with distinct serpent-like features and a coat of spines for added menace.


Chet Van Duzer, the author of Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, discussed the map with Nat Geo, suggesting that nearly every depiction on it serves as a variation on the same theme of terror and bewilderment inspired by whales, whether breaching, slapping their tails, or menacing wooden ships with their colossal bodies.

During the Age of Exploration, the mortality rate of sailors on long-distance voyages hovered around 50%, primarily due to ailments like scurvy and other diseases. The scarcity of mariners returning home alive fueled traditional apprehensions of falling prey to maritime monsters, a feat that likely deeply influenced Magnus’s map.

The vibrant colors and intricate illustrations of the Carta Marina have captivated scholars for centuries, providing a continuous source of fascination and joy. Furthermore, the inclusion of other creatures such as the sea cow, depicted as a literal cow despite resembling a manatee, as well as narwhals and walruses, offers valuable insights into the beliefs and behaviors of past societies, enticing enthusiasts of history.

 

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