Sea Haggs
Sea Haggs are a type of monstrous humanoid creature found in folklore and fantasy settings, often associated with coastal regions, shipwrecks, and the dangers of the sea. They are typically depicted as grotesque, old women with green or pale skin, long, stringy hair, sharp claws, and decaying teeth. Their appearance is intended to inspire fear and disgust.
In many stories, Sea Haggs are malevolent beings, preying on sailors and coastal communities. They might lure ships onto rocks with illusions or magic, causing them to wreck and allowing the Haggs to scavenge the wreckage and kill any survivors. Some accounts suggest they can control the weather, summoning storms to create chaos and destruction.
Sea Haggs are often portrayed as possessing magical abilities, including shapeshifting (often into marine animals or harmless-looking objects to trick their victims), casting illusions, and manipulating water. They might live in underwater caves or shipwrecks, surrounded by the bones of their victims and hoards of stolen treasure.
Their motivations are often depicted as greed, malice, and a general hatred of living beings, particularly humans. They represent the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the sea and serve as a cautionary tale against venturing into its depths unprepared.
Different cultures have varying interpretations of Sea Haggs, and their specific characteristics and powers can differ significantly depending on the lore. However, the core elements of a monstrous, sea-dwelling crone focused on death and destruction remain consistent across many variations.