Ziphius

The Ziphius is a legendary sea creature that combines features of a shark or whale with the face of an owl. In historical cartography, it typically appears attacking seals or sea lions while being pestered by a smaller marine monster.

Due to their similar avian features and aggressive behavior—attacking from malice rather than hunger or defense—the Ziphius is sometimes mistaken for the Icelandic Sverdhvalur (Sword Whale), though these are distinct creatures. Another common confusion arises with beaked whales, which derive their scientific name from this mythical beast. However, the Ziphius likely draws its inspiration from real animals such as orcas and billfish rather than beaked whales.

The creature made its first appearance on the Carta Marina, a renowned 16th-century map of Scandinavia and the North Atlantic made by Olaus Magnus.