Steipereidur

The Steipereidur is a form of sea monster from medieval times. They’re described as a gentle and tame form of whale, that fought other sea monsters who endangered fishermen. They measure at least 100 cubits (roughly 147 feet) in length and have the scientific name “Balænopetra sibbaldi.” It was forbidden to hunt this creature, but it was thought their meat tastes like beef.

Citations:

Carpenter, Alfred, and Wilson-Barker, David. Nature Notes for Ocean Voyagers: Being Personal Observations Upon Life in “the Vasty Deep” and Fishes, Birds, and Beasts Seen from a Ship’s Deck; with Popular Chapters on Weather, Waves, and Legendary Lore. United Kingdom, C. Griffin, limited, 1915.

Jenkins, James Travis. A History of the Whale Fisheries: From the Basque Fisheries of the Tenth Century to the Hunting of the Finner Whale at the Present Date. United Kingdom, H.F. & G. Witherby, 1921.

Topsell, Edward. The Elizabethan Zoo: A Book of Beasts Both Fabulous and Authentic. United Kingdom, F. Etchells & H. Macdonald, 1926.