Sea Hydra

Summary

The sea hydra is a creature from Diakai mythology. Its snake head rests on the end of its neck. With a mouthful of jagged teeth, it is capable of tearing both prey and enemy apart. The hydra has four legs and a gangly tail nearly as long as its neck. It swims in the depths of the sea, claiming any ship that dares to sail too close to its lair. Sea hydras supposedly use the wood from the ships it sinks and bones of its kill to decorate their dwellings. Hydras feed on anything smaller than themselves, from fish, octopi, and other monsters that dwell in the unknown depths.

Historical Basis

There is little to no historical basis for the sea hydra. Someone likely saw a sea snake and extrapolated its serpentine form into the monster made famous by Diakai myths. That person must have been terrified of snakes.

Variations & Mutation

Others claim the sea hydra having multiple heads - anywhere from three to fifty. Some hydras are no larger than land snakes, while others are more massive than whales. The size variation between tales is ridiculous, but myths often change with the telling. Those wishing to downplay the imposing figure of a massive carnivorous reptile accordingly describe it as smaller, while those wishing to scare describe it as more imposing.

Cultural Reception

The sea hydra is a figure of both fear and reverence. Sailors sometimes drop offerings of bone, wood, or metal for the hydra into the sea so their ships won’t be attacked. Sailors refuse to mention the creature by name, out of fear of summoning the monster. Sometimes, those who say the beast’s name aloud are thrown overboard, so a grisly fate won’t befall the entire crew. It is used to frighten children by the coast. Parents tell their children the hydras will snatch them if they misbehave.