Superstition resurfaces as a rare oarfish is found washed up in the Canary Islands.
According to the Daily Mail, A massive oarfish, feared as a harbinger of disasters, appeared on Playa Quemada's shores on February 10, stirring public unrest and superstition.
The peculiar finding was made by bathers who were shocked by the fish's silver body and vibrant translucent orange fins. The oarfish's discovery has captured the imagination and concern of many, leading to widespread discussions across social media.
An Instagram video showcasing the long, serpent-like fish attracted over nine million views. More than 267,000 likes and around 5,000 comments complemented this online fascination, reflecting a high level of engagement from the public intrigued by the myth surrounding these sea creatures.
Japanese folklore, in particular, calls the oarfish 'Ryūgū no tsukai' or 'messenger from the Sea God.' People traditionally link it with the onset of maritime disasters like tsunamis and hurricanes. This connection raises anxiety levels whenever someone spots an oarfish, especially near populated areas. Zaria, one of the Instagram users, frantically commented, "PUT IT BACK," echoing a widespread sentiment that the fish's presence signifies impending calamity.
This event follows a similar incident in Mexico, where surfers stumbled upon an injured oarfish with a damaged tail on a beach just weeks earlier. These occurrences are notable not just for their rarity but for the sheer size of these fish, some reaching lengths of up to 36 feet and weighing over 441 pounds. Due to their typically elusive nature, residing deep in the ocean, sightings of oarfish near shores are rare and poorly understood by scientists and marine biologists. Ahmed, a local who witnessed the event, expressed his dread, predicting, "Something bad is going to happen."
Here is Meriah's take on the sighting:
Usually, it means that an earthquake is coming when it appears to the surface of the water. Seeing such a mythical creature so close to our homes is naturally alarming. No matter what we believe, we can't ignore the patterns observed over centuries.
Jen hinted at a similar pattern in her comment by stating, "They show up before natural disasters."
The cultural impact of such events can be profound, influencing local beliefs and behaviors. These legends have been a part of coastal folklore in various parts of the world, reminding us of the ancient connections humans perceived between nature's patterns and their survival. In response to the finding, another user Senuka ominously remarked, "Bro doesn't know what's coming." This reflects a wider sense of unease that typically accompanies such unusual sightings.
Historical occurrences have spurred these sentiments, deeply ingraining them in the local cultures, particularly in regions frequently affected by natural disasters like Japan and now, seemingly, the Canary Islands and possibly Mexico.
The appearance of oarfish in unexpected locations, coupled with their historical and cultural significance, continues to provoke public interest and scientific curiosity. Although people know them as deep-sea dwellers, the reasons they sometimes come ashore remain largely speculative, with theories ranging from storm-related disorientation to deep-sea disturbances.
As communities around the world react to these rare appearances, the mixture of fear, curiosity, and scientific interest highlights the complex ways in which humans interact with their natural environment.
This heightened awareness also provides an opportunity for education on marine life and the importance of respecting and understanding the ocean's mysteries. The events at Playa Quemada will likely fuel ongoing research and debate about the mysterious lives of oarfish and the deep sea's many secrets.
