The Loch Ness Monster

Christmas is a time of giving! With Paddy giving Megan a booty drop to remember, it's only fair Megan gives Paddy an episode on THE LOCH NESS MONSTER!

EX-CRYPTID
For centuries, Central African tribes and even ancient Egyptians spoke of an unusual creature that they called Atti or the O’api. Early depictions of the animal usually sported a long, lone horn that led to the nickname “the african unicorn”.
As Westerners explored the area, they began glipsing this unusual creature. In some instances they were even able to secure skins that showed its bizarre patterning. However, western scientists dismissed this as hoax, with all expeditions into Africa looking for the creature coming up short.

Credit Cryptidz Wikia

Credit Sarah Bell

It wasn’t until 1901, when Sir Harry Johnson (the British Governor of Uganda, as well as a known Zoologist) got his hands on a piece of striped skin and even a skull of the mythical beast. He sent these to the British Museum for classification and the new species was officially named the Okapi.

More Info

This episode features one of the cryptozoology all stars. The mother of all cryptids, Nessie herself. But once we delve into the true depths of this mystery, will we regret it?

WHAT IS IT?
We all know what this curvaceous beauty looks like. This huge beastie has two prime descriptions:

Some picture it as a massive plesiosaur that survived extinction. With a fat body, long skinny neck and flippers, this monster is known officially as the Loch Ness Monster. Surprisingly, this is because it calls the scenic Loch Ness in Scotland it's home.

The second description of this creature is much more serpentine, with an undulating body usually seen as a row of humps travelling through the water.

Credit St. Adomnan

FOLKLORE
There have been tales of mysterious occurrences and sightings in the lake for hundreds of years, however the most notable historic sighting comes from 565AD and Saint Columba (an Irish Monk).

The tale goes that Saint Columba came across some locals burying a man by the River Ness. The men spoke of a “water beast” who attacked, mauled and drowned the man just a moment ago. Seeing this tragedy, Saint Columba sent one of his tastiest followers (Luigne Moccu Min) into the river and sure enough, the beast grew closer ready to attack. Saint Columba made the sign of the cross and bellowed “Thou shout go no further! Nor touch the man! Go back with all speed!”. The creature immediately fled and this was seen as a miracle by the people.

SIGHTINGS
Sightings are still coming in thick and fast even today. A simple Google search will return hundreds of suspicious blurs churning inside the Loch Ness. We cover some of the most famous incidents in this episode, of course featuring the insane Marmaduke Wetherell. If you're not sure who that is, buckle up for a wild ride.

POSSIBLE EXPLANATION
Now that's quite a list…