Lau
The Lau is a rare cryptid from swamps at the source of the White Nile. The marshes thought to hold this creature are largely unexplored, adding credibility to the idea of an unknown species. They inhabit holes in the banks of the river or swamps, though mostly in the swamps. This creature is known to the Nuer, Dinka, and Shilluk people of Africa. The Nuer people would identify their presence by a long rut in the ground, and run away from it. It’s believed that if a Lau sees a group of people before they see it, then it is assumed that all of them will die. If a group sees the Lau first, however, it’s thought the Lau will die. They have been described as resembling giant snakes. Sometimes they have a hairy crest like that of a crowned crane while other times they have long hairs like mudfish from the Nile. These hairs are used to entangle prey and drag them into the water. They’re reported to exceed 40 feet or 12 meters in length and are light brown or yellow in coloration. Some however think they range from 40 to 100 feet long and are as wide as a horse. Some described a horn-like growth between the navel and tail tip, this horn is roughly 3 inches long and 2 fingers thick. These horn-like growths suggest the simple legs present in serpents during earlier stages of evolution. Its lower jaw has four distinct bones on each side connected by membranes ultimately coming together at the chin. Their skeleton is notably similar to a python, and their bones are sought after as amulets against the Evil Eye. Some believe this creature is a giant python or a giant catfish. Some connect it to catfish due to them having venomous or electric barbels, and going onto land at night. Another suggestion is the Marbled Lungfish which can reach 6 feet long. Noted cryptozoologist Bernard Heuvelmens suggests the Lau may be related to the Lukwata of Lake Victoria. In 1914 a complete skeleton was supposedly found in the Addar Marshes, and the bones were given to the Nuer people. A 12-foot specimen was sighted in Bahr-el-Zéraf, and a 40-foot specimen was seen in Wau. Supposedly they are common in the Bahr el’Arab marshes. During the rainy season, their stomachs gurgle like elephants while digesting, and at other times they have a loud booming cry. It’s thought to be extremely unlikely to see more than one in a lifetime.
Citations:
Coleman, Loren. Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep. United States, Penguin Publishing Group, 2003.
Eberhart, George M.. Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology – Volume 1. United Kingdom, CFZ Press, 2013.
Heuvelmans, Bernard. Les Derniers Dragons d’Afrique. France, Plon (réédition numérique FeniXX), 1980.
Newton, Michael. Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology: A Global Guide to Hidden Animals and Their Pursuers. United Kingdom, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
