http://www.finebooksmagazine.com/fine_books_blog/2013/04/sea-monsters-and-old-maps.phtml
Geography class did not have to be so lethally boring.
Here are some images from Google:
This is from the famous "Carta Marina" from the 16th century. It is the earliest map of Nordic countries that names places and gives details.
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| From the Famous "Cartina Marina" |
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| Closeup on "Tile" and "Fare" |
The island of Fare seems to be even more terrifying. There seems to be a giant sea monster/fish resting it's ugly fish monster chin directly on the western side of the island. To make matters worse, the monster is giving a disapproving stare. Who wants to live on an island where a giant, ugly fish monster is giving you the stink eye all day.
I can't tell if the monster on Fare is dead. The map maker did not have the courtesy of adding a giant "X" mark over the eye The fish monster seems to have a giant anchor/hook in its side and three bleeding wounds. There are also two bent-over people standing on its back. If this giant fish is dead, the smell must be unbearable.
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| Doomed Ship |
According to my research, the reason the early explorers put the monsters on maps was an advertising ploy to get "landlubbers" to buy maps. (See, even early explorers knew how boring maps are.) What a genius marketing idea!
I have taken the liberty of adding sea monsters to the state map of North Dakota - one of the most boring states in America. You're welcome, North Dakota Department of Tourism.
