Tradition: Icelandic Mythology
Alternative Names: Bridle Fish, Big Shorthorn
Category: Whale
The Myth
The Taumafiskur is a monstrous whale from Icelandic folklore, slightly larger than the Stökkull. Its body is raven-black, with white or pink stripes extending from its eyes to its mouth and outward, resembling a bridle. In the East Fjords, it is known as the “big shorthorn,” distinguishing it from the smaller minke whale, called the “little shorthorn.”
One of the most feared illhveli, or evil whales, the Taumafiskur has inedible flesh, and speaking its name at sea is believed to attract it. It is cruel, destructive, and spiteful, with an exceptional memory that allows it to pursue those who escape its attacks. It overturns boats, tears them apart with its teeth, strikes them with its tail, and can swim beneath a vessel crosswise to fold it in half.
A minister from Fáskrúðsfjörður once survived an attack by clinging to his wrecked boat, but the Taumafiskur continued pursuing him whenever he returned to sea. In another tale, the crew of a Danish fishing boat encountered one near Snæfellsnes. Their captain, skilled in the dark arts, jumped overboard carrying a small bag. When he returned, he assured the crew that the whale would leave them alone, and it was not seen again that day.
Various substances were believed to repel the Taumafiskur, including chewed angelica, rotting baitfish, bilge-water, cod-liver oil, juniper, manure, sulfur, and yarrow. Burning these substances before throwing them overboard was thought to increase their effectiveness. The whale could also be distracted by loud noises or barrels thrown into the water, while sailing towards the sun could dazzle it and end the pursuit.
Sources
“Taumafiskur.” A Book of Creatures, November 16, 2015. https://abookofcreatures.com/2015/11/16/taumafiskur/