Parsid – the Creation Myth
In the beginning the whole world was water, liquid yet still. Below the silent water lay solid rock, earth’s centre, and above the smooth surface of the water lay the air, unmoving. Above the surface of the resting air lay the motionless stars. The whole world waited, lifeless.
Then from his home in the bottomless deeps the lordly whale rose up; Balengorion rose up from his birthplace in the deep and his black back split the shimmering surface, and he blew.
So for the first time the air began to move, drifted here and there by that first breath of life. Then Balengorion curved down again to the dark depths, but as he curved away his tail rose up high above the silent surface and with one stroke of his mighty flukes a wave became. So for the first time the water began to move, driven back and forth by that first stroke of life.
Beneath the rocking waters and the whispering air the whale lay, and the dark of the deeps was no more than the dark of the air above, for there was no light in the world. Then the whale began to sing. Balengorion’s song is a mystery for he sang no words, but as he sang, in answer to his song, so for the first time the Star began to rise, called up into the sky by that first song of life.
In the wonder of that light the seas began to spawn. Swarming life filled the waters, swelled by the power of the new Day Star. First the tiniest specks of living things appeared, then the krill to feed the whale. And the whale still sang and the Day Star shone and the sea creatures grew, and the sea was the womb of all the world.
Out of that womb swam a second star. It was the moon who tore herself free from the solid depths below the waters to swing in the night sky searching for the light. Night after night she curves across the sky in the track of the Day Star. But she has no will to stand beside that light. Her shores are all dead things and in her yearning she calls the earth to join her search. By day and night the land she left tilts at her bidding and in the caves she deserted lie the captive seas.
Out of this catastrophe was all land born, when the seas fled back to fill the empty chasm where once the moon had lain. Since that time we of the sea are ever subjugated to the imperious land.
Yet the Day Star’s light continued to bless sea and land alike, and on the land creatures began to crawl. And the whale still sang and the Day Star shone.
On the dry land began Man to appear, solid and earth born, longing for a sea season; Man the Avenger, aggressive and angry. In the ranks of Man grew Parsid, Protector. At the hand of Man he saw the world perishing; he saw pain and persecution.
Parsid walked on the shore in deep thought; his was the time of decision, of midsummer venturing and the time to know himself. In his mind troubles lay thick as smelt in the sea.
Parsid waited, surrendered to the Day Light. He waited for a silence to show him the way. Then from the deeps he heard the song of Balengorion. The song of the whale was calling him, catching at him, never to return:
‘Come to the deeps, Sire of the Sea Folk, come to the open wave, to the moon tide and the star time. Come with your daughters to the cool wide sea where peace and possession is waiting for you.’
Parsid heard the song and gladly deserted the world of men. Happily he left the earth whose stones had become too hard for him. Parsid, Sire of the Sea Folk, led his family into the waves. So he gave us our freedom: to be the people of the sea.
**********
Monday 30 July 2007
Thursday 26 July 2007
On the Existence of Marine Hominids (Homo Aquatilis)
D.R.McBride MSc. PhD., late of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, has written the following, undated, article:
From recorded sightings it seems possible that a species of aquatic hominid has been in existence in the waters of the North Atlantic over a period of many centuries. Such a species has in fact been postulated as an evolutionary link between the anthropoid apes of the Miocene Age and the earliest of human remains, Autralopithicus Africanus. The theory of an aquatic evolutionary stage during the Pliocene Age was first put forward by Professor Sir Alister Hardy in his article “Was man more aquatic in the past?” (New Scientist 7, 1960, pp 642-5), which explains many conditions found in modern man but unknown among primates.
For instance, the vertical posture of man, recognised even in the earliest skeleton remains by the extension of the knee joint, would be facilitated by a ten-million year evolutionary period spent supported in water. It is not suggested that this primitive hominid escaped into the deeps at this time: it is probable that he was an inter-tidal dweller, feeding on crustaceans known to have been in existence at that time, and on other abundant forms of marine life. Searching and groping for these foodstuffs under water would have made an evolutionary necessity of the sensitive and agile human hand. It is also suggested that on a beach, surrounded by pebbles on all sides, man first made use of this primitive tool to break open the shells of the creatures on which he lived.
Other physiological evidence in support of this aquatic theory is to be found in the streamlining of the hair tracts on the human body, seen most clearly on the human foetus while still immersed in the womb. These follow exactly the lines which would be produced by water flowing over the body. Furthermore, as a result of this ten-million year immersion, it is possible to understand the layer of subcutaneous fat which is a feature of man’s ability to retain body heat, but which is found in none of the primates from which he evolved.
Recorded descriptions all seem to suggest just such a creature as the aquatic phase in man’s evolution would have given rise to in historical times. The unfortunate fact remains, however, that no direct evidence has been found to substantiate this theory from the Pliocene Age, possibly due to the fact that the remains of such creatures would have been washed away and devoured at sea; which would also have been true of any more recent inter-tidal marine hominid remains.
The discovery and rescue of a full grown male of this species in the waters off Cape Cod in the northern United States offers proof not only of the aquatic theory in man’s evolution, but also that Homo Aquatilis is not yet extinct.
This specimen, as previously accounts have suggested, was human in form and appearance, although almost entirely covered in thick body hair, brown in colour but with lighter tints. Only the face and the inner surface of arms and legs were entirely free of hair.
Although of less than medium height, 5ft 2ins, he was thickset weighing 133lbs, with well-formed muscles of hip and thigh. The whole body showed evidence of a covering of subcutaneous fat, which may be active in the same way as blubber in the whale and walrus.
Facial characteristics were entirely human, though the features were flattened after the manner of mongoloid peoples. The nose however was firm and of a muscular tissue which could be opened or closed at will. The hands were broad, with short fingers; the feet wide with bones spread but with a webbing of skin between each toe. While the legs were long in proportion to the body they were rotated slightly outward and the feet were splayed apart. This made movement on land appear awkward but was a great asset when swimming: the motion being similar to that of butterfly stroke. Since in the water this meant both legs were kept close together it is easy to see why earlier observers often believed that they had seen a creature with a tail, similar to that of a fish or seal.
Like other aquatic mammals the subject must have been capable of diving to considerable depths since the rib cage, though strong, had an elasticity which would be capable of protecting the lungs under heavy pressure. He was able to adjust his metabolism in order to survive submerged for long periods of time: the physiological mechanism of bradycardia, the slowing of the heartbeat, was noted when diving, and to a much more marked extent than is evident in land-dwelling man.
As this species spends long periods of time immersed in the sea there is little need for perspiration as a method of cooling, so fluid intake need be only a fraction of that of land mammals. When on land, however, the subject found hot weather particularly uncomfortable and needed frequent dousing with water in order to maintain body temperature adequately. Fluid requirements were for the most part met by moisture in food, although it is interesting to note that, like the merman of Orford [see 16 July 2007] he was careful to wipe away any trace of salt water from fish. There would appear to be adaptations to the function of the kidney which reduce the filtration rate to very low levels when necessary.
Diet was entirely carnivorous, marine life only being preferred. While in captivity the subject was never known to accept red meat in any form, nor any vegetable foods. He was uninterested in cooked foods, though obviously able to distinguish what they were. Teeth were small and flat, best used in chewing and grinding, with no pointed canines for tearing food, so that it was reasonable to assume that this species subsists entirely on small animal prey. The sense of smell was well developed, though not as acute as that of a dog; vision was adequate, though less than accurate at distance (Sph -075, Cyl -025, Axis 90, both R & L). Such hearing tests as were carried out by a method of limits showed an extremely sensitive auditory system, which may in fact exceed that of Homo Sapiens.
With only a single subject for study it was not possible to make any observation of social habits, though the general impression was of a gentle and entirely non-aggressive individual. This was also borne out by the lack of any of the attributes of the hunter, such as canine teeth, acute sense of smell, long-sightedness etc. The species is evidently not nocturnal; like the Orford merman the subject slept by night and was only active during the day.
Possibly as a result of captivity this specimen was very subdued in his behaviour patterns, though obviously stimulated by a return to the sea. He wept easily, uttering sad sounds which may have followed definite patterns. This aspect of the research is still underway.
Although eager to learn, nevertheless the specimen under observation seemed unfamiliar with any kind of artefact, though he readily understood the uses of a pan or bowl for carrying or storing. If, as is postulated, this was a direct descendant of the marine phase in man’s evolution, his development has been non-aggressive, and he has adapted most successfully to his environment, in the manner of the Eskimo, the Australian Aborigine or the Bushman. Such a species has little need of technical progress since he has accepted the limitations of his natural habitat and has grown within those limitations to the fullest extent of his powers.
If it were possible to observe such a species in large numbers it might then be conceivable for land-dwelling man also to learn this all-important technique; for in the twentieth century it is becoming increasingly evident that the progress path we have chosen is more destructive of our environment than we were able to foresee.
From recorded sightings it seems possible that a species of aquatic hominid has been in existence in the waters of the North Atlantic over a period of many centuries. Such a species has in fact been postulated as an evolutionary link between the anthropoid apes of the Miocene Age and the earliest of human remains, Autralopithicus Africanus. The theory of an aquatic evolutionary stage during the Pliocene Age was first put forward by Professor Sir Alister Hardy in his article “Was man more aquatic in the past?” (New Scientist 7, 1960, pp 642-5), which explains many conditions found in modern man but unknown among primates.
For instance, the vertical posture of man, recognised even in the earliest skeleton remains by the extension of the knee joint, would be facilitated by a ten-million year evolutionary period spent supported in water. It is not suggested that this primitive hominid escaped into the deeps at this time: it is probable that he was an inter-tidal dweller, feeding on crustaceans known to have been in existence at that time, and on other abundant forms of marine life. Searching and groping for these foodstuffs under water would have made an evolutionary necessity of the sensitive and agile human hand. It is also suggested that on a beach, surrounded by pebbles on all sides, man first made use of this primitive tool to break open the shells of the creatures on which he lived.
Other physiological evidence in support of this aquatic theory is to be found in the streamlining of the hair tracts on the human body, seen most clearly on the human foetus while still immersed in the womb. These follow exactly the lines which would be produced by water flowing over the body. Furthermore, as a result of this ten-million year immersion, it is possible to understand the layer of subcutaneous fat which is a feature of man’s ability to retain body heat, but which is found in none of the primates from which he evolved.
Recorded descriptions all seem to suggest just such a creature as the aquatic phase in man’s evolution would have given rise to in historical times. The unfortunate fact remains, however, that no direct evidence has been found to substantiate this theory from the Pliocene Age, possibly due to the fact that the remains of such creatures would have been washed away and devoured at sea; which would also have been true of any more recent inter-tidal marine hominid remains.
The discovery and rescue of a full grown male of this species in the waters off Cape Cod in the northern United States offers proof not only of the aquatic theory in man’s evolution, but also that Homo Aquatilis is not yet extinct.
This specimen, as previously accounts have suggested, was human in form and appearance, although almost entirely covered in thick body hair, brown in colour but with lighter tints. Only the face and the inner surface of arms and legs were entirely free of hair.
Although of less than medium height, 5ft 2ins, he was thickset weighing 133lbs, with well-formed muscles of hip and thigh. The whole body showed evidence of a covering of subcutaneous fat, which may be active in the same way as blubber in the whale and walrus.
Facial characteristics were entirely human, though the features were flattened after the manner of mongoloid peoples. The nose however was firm and of a muscular tissue which could be opened or closed at will. The hands were broad, with short fingers; the feet wide with bones spread but with a webbing of skin between each toe. While the legs were long in proportion to the body they were rotated slightly outward and the feet were splayed apart. This made movement on land appear awkward but was a great asset when swimming: the motion being similar to that of butterfly stroke. Since in the water this meant both legs were kept close together it is easy to see why earlier observers often believed that they had seen a creature with a tail, similar to that of a fish or seal.
Like other aquatic mammals the subject must have been capable of diving to considerable depths since the rib cage, though strong, had an elasticity which would be capable of protecting the lungs under heavy pressure. He was able to adjust his metabolism in order to survive submerged for long periods of time: the physiological mechanism of bradycardia, the slowing of the heartbeat, was noted when diving, and to a much more marked extent than is evident in land-dwelling man.
As this species spends long periods of time immersed in the sea there is little need for perspiration as a method of cooling, so fluid intake need be only a fraction of that of land mammals. When on land, however, the subject found hot weather particularly uncomfortable and needed frequent dousing with water in order to maintain body temperature adequately. Fluid requirements were for the most part met by moisture in food, although it is interesting to note that, like the merman of Orford [see 16 July 2007] he was careful to wipe away any trace of salt water from fish. There would appear to be adaptations to the function of the kidney which reduce the filtration rate to very low levels when necessary.
Diet was entirely carnivorous, marine life only being preferred. While in captivity the subject was never known to accept red meat in any form, nor any vegetable foods. He was uninterested in cooked foods, though obviously able to distinguish what they were. Teeth were small and flat, best used in chewing and grinding, with no pointed canines for tearing food, so that it was reasonable to assume that this species subsists entirely on small animal prey. The sense of smell was well developed, though not as acute as that of a dog; vision was adequate, though less than accurate at distance (Sph -075, Cyl -025, Axis 90, both R & L). Such hearing tests as were carried out by a method of limits showed an extremely sensitive auditory system, which may in fact exceed that of Homo Sapiens.
With only a single subject for study it was not possible to make any observation of social habits, though the general impression was of a gentle and entirely non-aggressive individual. This was also borne out by the lack of any of the attributes of the hunter, such as canine teeth, acute sense of smell, long-sightedness etc. The species is evidently not nocturnal; like the Orford merman the subject slept by night and was only active during the day.
Possibly as a result of captivity this specimen was very subdued in his behaviour patterns, though obviously stimulated by a return to the sea. He wept easily, uttering sad sounds which may have followed definite patterns. This aspect of the research is still underway.
Although eager to learn, nevertheless the specimen under observation seemed unfamiliar with any kind of artefact, though he readily understood the uses of a pan or bowl for carrying or storing. If, as is postulated, this was a direct descendant of the marine phase in man’s evolution, his development has been non-aggressive, and he has adapted most successfully to his environment, in the manner of the Eskimo, the Australian Aborigine or the Bushman. Such a species has little need of technical progress since he has accepted the limitations of his natural habitat and has grown within those limitations to the fullest extent of his powers.
If it were possible to observe such a species in large numbers it might then be conceivable for land-dwelling man also to learn this all-important technique; for in the twentieth century it is becoming increasingly evident that the progress path we have chosen is more destructive of our environment than we were able to foresee.
Sunday 22 July 2007
silkiesightings
Cape Cod 1963
Is it a silkie that the following article by D.R.McBride is describing?
End of July I arranged to go out in the boat with Stan Leamus. Stan is a regular old New Englander composed of harshly angled bone and leathery brown skin; his only concession to that day's airless heat was to remove his knitted sweater, and it lay in the cluttered little cabin among nets and pots and oily rope. As the boat chugged out into Cape Cod Bay:
'We'll catch nothing in this glare,' he said.
The sea was like a sheltered pond through which, at long intervals, passed a heaving swell so slow as to slide unnoticed beneath the hull.
I saw it first and called out to Stan.
'What's that?' I cried, and pointed.
'Looks like a seal.'
We watched the sleek dark head on the surface. I put up my binoculars to compare the little one with the grey seal of Scottish waters. But what I saw made me pause. Then:
'Take a turn over there, Stan.’ I said. ‘There's blood on the surface.'
As we drew closer I jumped up onto the cabin roof for a clearer view down into the water. There I could see the sluggish movement of limbs.
'It's not a seal, it's a man!'
Stan eased back on his throttle and guided the boat round on a wide curve about the dark stain spreading in the water, and I dived straight in from the roof. Between us we lifted the thickset figure from the water and we lay him on the decking. A deep, jagged wound had slit his inner thigh. I found the pressure point and twisted a piece of twine into a tight tourniquet then pressed a pad over the wound, trying to draw the gaping sides together as I did so. I was aware throughout of Stan standing above me watching with disapproval.
'If you listen to me you'll leave that. Throw him back over the side.' And Stan turned his head and spat.
'What do you mean?'
'Take a look at that, and use your head.'
For the first time I studied the injured man, and I’ll say I was surprised. I’m a hairy man myself, but that figure lying in the well deck there was covered in a brindled brown hair over his shoulders, his arms and the backs of his hands, across his chest, his back and buttocks. The outer parts of his legs were also thickly covered, wet, sleek and streamlined.
'Is it a man after all?' I couldn’t help myself – I simply didn’t know what to think.
'Use your head,' Stan grunted again. 'Where did it come from?'
Then we both looked out over the tilting surface. There was no horizon, the sea shifted to haze and the haze became the sky. There were no boats.
'Tell me what you're thinking, Stan,’ I said, ‘I don't understand this.'
'I think we would have been better never to have seen him.'
'But what is he?'
Stan waited awhile before he spoke again, then:
'I don't give any credence to the idea that they search for the souls of doomed sailors, but they're said to swim in the wrecks. I've never seen one before, and I wish we'd never seen this.' Savagely he opened up the throttle, and I knew he was heading us back to land.
I said nothing. I've sailed with fishermen before and I know their superstitions.
'It's one of the seal folk,' I told him finally. 'We know them in Scotland, where I'm from. Every man of the western isles is acquainted with them. He'll do us no harm. Do you have a needle on board? I have to stitch him up.'
In the first-aid box I found what was needed. Already I knew that I could never call a doctor. I knew from that moment that it was a silkie I had saved.
Is it a silkie that the following article by D.R.McBride is describing?
End of July I arranged to go out in the boat with Stan Leamus. Stan is a regular old New Englander composed of harshly angled bone and leathery brown skin; his only concession to that day's airless heat was to remove his knitted sweater, and it lay in the cluttered little cabin among nets and pots and oily rope. As the boat chugged out into Cape Cod Bay:
'We'll catch nothing in this glare,' he said.
The sea was like a sheltered pond through which, at long intervals, passed a heaving swell so slow as to slide unnoticed beneath the hull.
I saw it first and called out to Stan.
'What's that?' I cried, and pointed.
'Looks like a seal.'
We watched the sleek dark head on the surface. I put up my binoculars to compare the little one with the grey seal of Scottish waters. But what I saw made me pause. Then:
'Take a turn over there, Stan.’ I said. ‘There's blood on the surface.'
As we drew closer I jumped up onto the cabin roof for a clearer view down into the water. There I could see the sluggish movement of limbs.
'It's not a seal, it's a man!'
Stan eased back on his throttle and guided the boat round on a wide curve about the dark stain spreading in the water, and I dived straight in from the roof. Between us we lifted the thickset figure from the water and we lay him on the decking. A deep, jagged wound had slit his inner thigh. I found the pressure point and twisted a piece of twine into a tight tourniquet then pressed a pad over the wound, trying to draw the gaping sides together as I did so. I was aware throughout of Stan standing above me watching with disapproval.
'If you listen to me you'll leave that. Throw him back over the side.' And Stan turned his head and spat.
'What do you mean?'
'Take a look at that, and use your head.'
For the first time I studied the injured man, and I’ll say I was surprised. I’m a hairy man myself, but that figure lying in the well deck there was covered in a brindled brown hair over his shoulders, his arms and the backs of his hands, across his chest, his back and buttocks. The outer parts of his legs were also thickly covered, wet, sleek and streamlined.
'Is it a man after all?' I couldn’t help myself – I simply didn’t know what to think.
'Use your head,' Stan grunted again. 'Where did it come from?'
Then we both looked out over the tilting surface. There was no horizon, the sea shifted to haze and the haze became the sky. There were no boats.
'Tell me what you're thinking, Stan,’ I said, ‘I don't understand this.'
'I think we would have been better never to have seen him.'
'But what is he?'
Stan waited awhile before he spoke again, then:
'I don't give any credence to the idea that they search for the souls of doomed sailors, but they're said to swim in the wrecks. I've never seen one before, and I wish we'd never seen this.' Savagely he opened up the throttle, and I knew he was heading us back to land.
I said nothing. I've sailed with fishermen before and I know their superstitions.
'It's one of the seal folk,' I told him finally. 'We know them in Scotland, where I'm from. Every man of the western isles is acquainted with them. He'll do us no harm. Do you have a needle on board? I have to stitch him up.'
In the first-aid box I found what was needed. Already I knew that I could never call a doctor. I knew from that moment that it was a silkie I had saved.
Saturday 21 July 2007
Are Silkies only a legend?
The Times 1809
In 1809 The Times had printed a report by a Scottish schoolmaster named William Munro describing his encounter, on the beach near Thurso, with:
“…. a figure resembling an un-clothed human female, sitting upon a rock extending into the sea, and apparently in the action of combing its hair, which flowed around its shoulders, and was of a light brown colour …. the forehead round, the face plump, the cheeks ruddy, the eyes blue, the mouth and lips of a natural form…. It remained on the rock three or four minutes after I observed it, and was exercised during that period in combing its hair, which was long and thick, and of which it appeared proud, and then dropped into the sea.”
Other local people also admitted to having seen similar creatures, their descriptions compatible with those of the schoolmaster.
In 1809 The Times had printed a report by a Scottish schoolmaster named William Munro describing his encounter, on the beach near Thurso, with:
“…. a figure resembling an un-clothed human female, sitting upon a rock extending into the sea, and apparently in the action of combing its hair, which flowed around its shoulders, and was of a light brown colour …. the forehead round, the face plump, the cheeks ruddy, the eyes blue, the mouth and lips of a natural form…. It remained on the rock three or four minutes after I observed it, and was exercised during that period in combing its hair, which was long and thick, and of which it appeared proud, and then dropped into the sea.”
Other local people also admitted to having seen similar creatures, their descriptions compatible with those of the schoolmaster.
Are silkies only a legend?
American Journal of Science 1820
Again in North Atlantic waters, Captain Asa Swift, the master of the Leonidas, out from New York, records, in The American Journal of Science of 1820, a ‘strange fish’ which was seen to follow the ship:
“The second mate…. Told me the face was nearly white, and exactly like that of a human person; that its arms were about half as long as his, with hands resembling his own; that it stood erect out of the water about two feet, looking at the ship and sails with great earnestness. It would remain in this attitude, close alongside, ten or fifteen minutes at a time, and then dive and appear on the other side…. Mr Stevens also stated that its hair was black on the head and exactly resembled a man’s; that below the arms, it was a perfect fish in form, and that the whole length from the head to the tail was about five feet.”
**********
Again in North Atlantic waters, Captain Asa Swift, the master of the Leonidas, out from New York, records, in The American Journal of Science of 1820, a ‘strange fish’ which was seen to follow the ship:
“The second mate…. Told me the face was nearly white, and exactly like that of a human person; that its arms were about half as long as his, with hands resembling his own; that it stood erect out of the water about two feet, looking at the ship and sails with great earnestness. It would remain in this attitude, close alongside, ten or fifteen minutes at a time, and then dive and appear on the other side…. Mr Stevens also stated that its hair was black on the head and exactly resembled a man’s; that below the arms, it was a perfect fish in form, and that the whole length from the head to the tail was about five feet.”
**********
Wednesday 18 July 2007
silkiesightings
Sixteenth Century
Is it possible that the Great Silkie of Sule Skerrie is not merely a legend? Is it silkies that these historic documents are describing?During the explorations and discoveries of the sixteenth century many tales of mermaids were brought back from the sea, along with exaggerated accounts of sea monsters and other wonders. However, in 1608 Henry Hudson, sailing on his second voyage in search of a Northeast Passage to China, recorded a sighting of a mermaid in the Barents Sea. According to the two seamen, Thomas Hilles and Robert Raynar, who saw her:
"Her back and breasts were like a woman's and her skin very white; and long hair hanging down behinde, of colour blacke; in her going down they saw her tayle, which was like the tayle of a porpoise, and speckled like a macrell."
During this same year another mermaid was sighted, also in the North Atlantic, off Newfoundland.
**********
Is it possible that the Great Silkie of Sule Skerrie is not merely a legend? Is it silkies that these historic documents are describing?During the explorations and discoveries of the sixteenth century many tales of mermaids were brought back from the sea, along with exaggerated accounts of sea monsters and other wonders. However, in 1608 Henry Hudson, sailing on his second voyage in search of a Northeast Passage to China, recorded a sighting of a mermaid in the Barents Sea. According to the two seamen, Thomas Hilles and Robert Raynar, who saw her:
"Her back and breasts were like a woman's and her skin very white; and long hair hanging down behinde, of colour blacke; in her going down they saw her tayle, which was like the tayle of a porpoise, and speckled like a macrell."
During this same year another mermaid was sighted, also in the North Atlantic, off Newfoundland.
**********
Monday 16 July 2007
silkiesightings
Silkies have been sighted!
Is it possible that the Great Silkie of Sule Skerrie is not merely a legend? Is it silkies that the following historic documents are describing?
The earliest sighting of a silkie, at Orford in Suffolk, England, was reported by the chronicler Ralph of Coggeshall in his Chronicum Anglicanum of 1207. He tells how fishermen caught a wild man in their nets off the coast of Suffolk, and showed him to their lord, Sir Bartholomew de Glanville, Constable of the castle of Orford during the reign of Henry II:
‘He was naked and was like a man in all his members. He was covered in hair and had a long shaggy beard. The knight kept him in custody many days and nights, lest he should return to the sea. He eagerly ate whatever was brought to him, whether raw or cooked, but the raw he pressed between his hands until all the juice was expelled. Whether he would not or could not, he did not talk, although oft times hung up by his feet and harshly tortured. Brought into the church, he showed no signs of reverence or belief…. He sought his bed at sunset and always remained there until sunrise.
‘It happened that once they brought him to the harbour and suffered him to go into the sea, strongly guarding him with three lines of nets; but he dived under the nets out into the deep sea, and came up again and again as if in derision of the spectators on the shore. After thus playing about for a long while, he came back of his own free will. But later on, being negligently guarded, he secretly fled back to the sea and was never afterward seen.’
**********
Is it possible that the Great Silkie of Sule Skerrie is not merely a legend? Is it silkies that the following historic documents are describing?
The earliest sighting of a silkie, at Orford in Suffolk, England, was reported by the chronicler Ralph of Coggeshall in his Chronicum Anglicanum of 1207. He tells how fishermen caught a wild man in their nets off the coast of Suffolk, and showed him to their lord, Sir Bartholomew de Glanville, Constable of the castle of Orford during the reign of Henry II:
‘He was naked and was like a man in all his members. He was covered in hair and had a long shaggy beard. The knight kept him in custody many days and nights, lest he should return to the sea. He eagerly ate whatever was brought to him, whether raw or cooked, but the raw he pressed between his hands until all the juice was expelled. Whether he would not or could not, he did not talk, although oft times hung up by his feet and harshly tortured. Brought into the church, he showed no signs of reverence or belief…. He sought his bed at sunset and always remained there until sunrise.
‘It happened that once they brought him to the harbour and suffered him to go into the sea, strongly guarding him with three lines of nets; but he dived under the nets out into the deep sea, and came up again and again as if in derision of the spectators on the shore. After thus playing about for a long while, he came back of his own free will. But later on, being negligently guarded, he secretly fled back to the sea and was never afterward seen.’
**********
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