Achab, the keeleater

The mariners of Saythian avoid carefully to sail over the Saynué, not only for its unfathomable aspect but also because in its depths, they say, lives Achab the keeleater.

Summary

This leviathan is described as a giant fish with a mouth provided of a sharp osseus beak that he uses to attack boats and sink them. He is white as a ghost to improve his chance to appear unnoticed amdist the fog that constantly swirls on the surface of the forbidden sea. Many a relic sleep on the bottom of Saynué thanks to this treacherous beast.

Historical Basis

Since humans have started to explore the depths of the sea in the second century, the unusual features of the Saynué have fueled different emotions in them. Fear and curiosity are best mates and, when danger is associated, they often create superstition. A large number of boats, especially of big dimensions, sank through the centuries while trying to explore the Saynué but no one has brought any clear evidence of the existence of Achab. Unfortunately for mariners, this is a further proof of the existence of Achab and of its ruthlessness.

Spread

The story comes in a few variants, in most of them a large vessel goes exploring the Saynué in search of some long lost treasure. Their greed attracts the anger of the sea monster, who hunts them giving no quarter and eventually killing every single one of the crew and passengers. In a version, Achab is reported to have lost one eye creating a large scar going through it. Every version of the story fails to explain how the story would have been discovered since in no version there's any survivor.

Cultural Reception

Saythian people love to speak about this sea monster, especially when they talk with innocent women. Often, in the inns of the waterfront, you may find some troubador play the ballad called 'Achab, the leviathan' that is an evergreen between mariners.

Date of First Recording

Around the fourth century.