Iceland review - 2012, Page 28

Iceland review - 2012, Page 28
26 ICELAND REVIEW Shell MonSter if you’re strolling on a beach and hear a rattling sound, you better make a run for it. one of iceland’s most fearsome monsters is the shell monster (skeljaskrímsli), a four-legged beast the size of a horse, broad and muscular, covered in shells with long claws on its feet and a lump on its tale. it is thought to inhabit the waters off iceland and occasionally wander ashore. the shell monster is aggressive, moves fast and is attracted to illumination, so all lights should be put out if it approaches. shell monsters have been sighted in all regions of the country but mostly in the West Fjords, particularly in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. in the 20th century the crew of an English fishing vessel is believed to have caught a shell monster in their trawl. they immediately cut the trawl off and sailed away as fast as they could. the beast cannot be killed with any regular weapons; lead pellets bounce right off its armor, whereas silver buttons and lamb droppings have proven more effective. a farmer once fended off a shell monster with an ax, skillfully avoiding fatal blows from its tail. after struggling through the night, the monster disappeared back into the ocean but the farmer later developed leprosy and died. another victim was killed after being sprayed with the monster’s poisonous blood. one survivor from the island of grímsey reported that he had been checking his nets when he saw a giant beast wade onto the beach and move directly towards him. he made his escape by wading over two tidal causeways and then running as fast as he could back to his house and bolting the door. all the while he heard the monster gaining on him, making rattling noises. such sounds are commonly described in sightings of shell monsters and are believed to be caused either by the rattling of the shells in which the creature is covered or its claws clacking together.

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Iceland review

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