Tradition / Region: Greek Mythology
Alternative names: Fohi, Sea Bull
Category: Cow
The Myth
The Foha is an enormous sea bull of legendary strength. It is known for its sedentary nature and tends to remain in one place rather than roaming through the sea. Despite its immense size, it is also said to come onto land in herds to feed on grass without harming people or livestock.
According to the legend, the Foha is exceptionally irascible, especially toward its own kind. Aristotle recorded that these creatures would fight fiercely among themselves, particularly the females.
When a male Foha killed a female during one of these battles, it would seek out another female and continue the same brutal behavior. This succession of violent encounters could continue until the male eventually killed all the females it encountered.
In one account, the Foha is described as a creature with the face of a calf and human-like hands.
Despite its appearance as a gigantic sea bull, the creature was ultimately said to be nothing more than a seal.
Sources
“Фоха (Foha).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed August 15, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/foha