Loch Ness monster

The Loch Ness monster, colloquially known as Nessie, is an aquatic cryptid allegedly residing in Loch Ness, Scotland. It is similar to many other cryptids supposedly situated in Scotland, as well as other parts of the world.

According to most eyewitness accounts, the creature closely resembles a plesiosaur, an extinct group of marine reptiles which became extinct during the late Cretaceous period. However, other explanations suggest otherwise. Most of the evidence that propose the existence of the Loch Ness monster are anecdotal; accompanied with well-disputed photographs and sonar readings.

The first report of the Loch Ness monster came from the Irish monk Saint Columbia in 565 CE; however, the monster was in the River Ness, rather than the lake.

565 CE
The first written report of the Loch Ness monster was written in around 565 CE, within the biography of an Irish saint, St. Columbia, which was written about a century after his death by a monk called St. Adamnam.

According to the biography, Columbia arrived on the shore of the loch to board a ferry. However, the ferry was not there; one of his disciples volunteered to swim across the loch and collect a boat from the opposite side. As the follower dived, A "hideous monster" arose to the surface of the water and moved towards him.

Witnesses to the event, according to the written account, were "stricken with very great terror". Fortunately, St. Columbia managed to discourage the creature by making the sign of the cross and ordering the animal to go away. The creature subsequently disappeared.