Hafgufa

The Hafgufa is a legendary sea monster described in the Old Norse text Örvar-Odds saga and the Old Norwegian natural history text Konungs skuggsjá ("King's Mirror"). Often described as a gigantic whale-like creature, the Hafgufa is known for its unique and terrifying hunting method.

According to the Konungs skuggsjá, the Hafgufa, along with the lyngbakr (a whale that appears as a heather-covered island), are the largest types of whales. Unlike other whales that actively hunt, the Hafgufa employs a passive hunting strategy. It floats on the surface of the water, emitting a powerful and distinctive odor that attracts fish from great distances. These fish, drawn to the scent, swim into the Hafgufa's massive mouth. Once the creature's mouth is filled with fish, it closes its jaws, trapping and consuming its prey.

The Konungs skuggsjá uses the Hafgufa's hunting method as an analogy for people who attract others with promises and then exploit them for their own gain, presenting a cautionary moral lesson. The Örvar-Odds saga describes a direct encounter with the Hafgufa, further solidifying its place in Norse sea lore. While the exact nature and size of the Hafgufa are debated, the consistent description of its large size and unique hunting method makes it a memorable and fearsome creature in Norse mythology.