here be monsters

[DaSwede]

In olden days, when cartographers wrote Here Be Monsters on maps, was that - generally - their belief or was it just a fun way of saying We haven't been here yet...?

Thanks in advance, I'll thank you more personally in a couple of days.

[B00]

Can't help with your <bDaSwede, but I'm curious.....

Exactly how personal will your thanks be? LOL

[Octavius]

Early map makers often recorded on their maps and charts the presence of fabulous beasts, many of which now reveal themselves as identifiable species made grotesque by the embroidered tales of sailors and travelers.

Of the many maps depicting sea monsters, the Carta Marina by Olaus Magnus was the most influential. First printed in 1539, it showed the area of the North Sea filled with dangerous maritime creatures. Versions of Olaus Magnus's monsters populated the seas on charts until the mid-18th century.

Ortelius copied many of these monsters for his map of Iceland, published in editions of his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Iceland is shown at large scale, with its fjords, glaciers, and mountains, including an erupting volcano, Mt. Hekla. Polar bears on icebergs can be seen at the top right, while the ocean contains probably the most fantastic collection of sea monsters to be seen on one engraving (shown here).

http://www.library.yale.edu/MapColl/lan36.htm

So generally the monsters turned out be unidentifiable species of the time, with grotesque embellishments by story-telling sailors and travellers. Maps of this nature also sold very well because of peoples natural curiosity.

[Octavius]

I imagine those cartographers who were crap at drawing or coudn't be bothered with the artwork, simply wrote 'Here Be Monsters' to add to the mystery....

[DaSwede]

Oh dear, BOO, Have I said something stupid again.... I'm so Swedish. It may be that 'personal' sounds more personal in English than I'm aware of. I once used the word 'exotic' on another thread - shouldn't have done that either, the place was bursting with exotic dancers before I knew what hit me. But if you do want something personal, I guess I could always give you some private lessons in formatting ;) ... (I told you I'd get back at you for that swede pic. Thought I'd forgotten, didn't you.)

I'll buy into your theories, Zacsmaster and Octavius! BTW, Olaus Magnus was Swedish.

[B00]

hahaha DaSwede

Whoever said revenge was a dish best served cold was correct, I can see I'm going to have to keep an eye on you, lol.

;-)

[heathfield]

I was told that in some cases the monsters were meant to scare others away from a lucrative trading area.

[DaSwede]

Hi heathfield! The monsters themselves or the monster warning signs, I wonder, reading your reply. I envision inflatable monsters floating around looking intimidating. No but seriously, thanks! Your info sounds plausible.