Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 19th Century

Geographic Range: The Minch, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Diet: Fish

In the stretch of water that separates the Outer Hebrides from mainland Scotland, the Blue Men of the Minch can be found. These creatures have the torsos of men and the lower halves of fish, much like the mermaids, except that they are entirely blue. They use their strong arms to whip the seas into a frenzy and can bring about storms at will.

They are known to rest with their upper halves out of the water, lying on the waves, or sometimes retreating to underwater caves. Graced with human speech, they are known to challenge ships’ captains before attempting to sink their vessels. Some sailors have reported that they would call out a line or two of verse and wait for the captain to respond and finish the poem. Successful seafarers would be left to continue their journey, while those who cannot please the ear would be sleeping on the ocean floor that night.

As storm-bringers, the Blue Men of the Minch are fierce allies, but we recommend brushing up on your poetry or possibly investing in a rhyming dictionary before approaching them. Perhaps learning a bit of Burns or even Sir Walter Scott’s "The Lady of the Lake" might keep them happy?