aspidochelone

English
The Aspidochelone lures hapless mariners to land on its back.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀσπιδοχελώνη (aspidokhelṓnē).

Noun

aspidochelone (plural aspidochelones)

  1. A fabled sea creature according to the tradition of the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, variously described as a large whale or vast sea turtle, and a giant sea monster with huge spines on the ridge of its back. It is often mistaken for an island, enticing unwitting sailors and drowning them.

Translations

Further reading
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