Sea Serpent

Summary

The Sea Serpent is believed to be a type of giant aquatic dragon or snake that prowls the ocean in multiple locations, looking for ships and their occupants to feast upon.
Though there have been several claims throughout history to have seen the serpent, there is no irrefutable proof of its existence.

Historical Basis

This myth is actually true, though very few in the modern world believe it. The myth is based on the Jörmungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent. The Jörmungandr was a serpent hatched by Odin and placed in earth's oceans as Freya's guard to ensure that she remained on earth. However, Odin did not account for the fact they would spend thousands of earth years together and eventually develop a friendship. Despite this, the Midgard Serpent is magically bound to keep Freya on earth, even though he wishes to release her.
The stories of sea serpents are fairly accurate in that Jörmungandr destroys ships and consumes living creatures for sustenance. Though portrayed as villainous he does not hold evil intentions toward humankind. The destruction he causes is out of hunger or boredom. Much like how humans view insects, the Midgard Serpent views humans in the same manner. However, he holds a higher level of respect for those who associate with Asgardians such as those in the[Daddario Dynasty.
The Midgard Serpent has been able to hide his existence in the oceans from humans because of their innate fear of it. So little of the ocean is explored by humans, that they don't know of the sublayer beneath what they believe to be the ocean floor. Jörmungandr is able to travel between these layers and appear anywhere in the oceans.

Spread

The myth of the sea serpent has spread to all cultures and continents. This widespread belief is hypothesized to be a combination of the innate human fear of snakes and the ocean.