Australian researchers unravel mystery of ancient hafguf sea monster from myths

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Scientists from Flinders University in Australia have finally solved the mystery of the ancient hafguf sea monster from Norse myths.

Mentions of hafguf are found in Icelandic myths until the 18th century. According to legend, the monster could freeze motionless on the surface of the water and open its mouth wide, waiting for prey. Sometimes even ships sailed there, because the sailors confused the teeth of the hafguf with rocks.

As part of the study, the experts found that, in fact, the ancient sagas spoke of ordinary whales. In recent years, sailors have begun to notice these mammals in the position described in myths.

“I was struck by the fact that the Scandinavian description of the hafguf is very similar to the behavior shown in the video where whales hunt using such a ‘trap,'” said marine archaeologist John McCarthy.

For the first time, this hunting method was recorded in whales in 2011. Scientists believe this indicates the restoration of ancient hunting methods, writes planet today.