Cryptozoology Thread

[Earniel]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing, Finarfin-1. I have to admit the thought of the commander getting caught in a fight with the locals and making up the story of the serpent to cover up was the first thing that crossed my mind. And I'm still not entirely convinced he did not. 127-foot armoured snakes are way out of anything possible. Still, cool story.

I disagree with the Surrush-angle, though. The sirrush, which I assume is the adapted name of the mushussu, is not a snake at all. It's got legs and horns. Often referred to as a Marduk's or Tiamat's dragon. Unless the article uses serpent as dragon instead of snake. But then they wouldn't have mentioned a python as possibility.

The mushussu is depicted on the famous Ishtar Gate of Babylon. (Look it up if you've got the chance, it's absolutely gorgeous, and the mushussu is an interestingly conceived animal.)