About that religious fish
Ever heard about the Sea Monk and the Sea Bishop ? In most cases, they are refered to as cryptids, which is not entirely untrue, I guess, but their origins are far more entertaining.
The first report of a sea monk was in Norway, where around 1545, some guy mentionned a fish vaguely ressembling, as you might have guessed, a monk. Then, the sightings multiplied and diversified.
It then differs from most folktales, because scientists took this Very seriously. It was mentionned in multiple publications classifying marine fauna, made by naturalists that are still esteemed for their work to this day (such as Rondelet).
Then, they all started copying each other's engravings, which produced, well, this
As the note says in the study this post is based on (Was Steenstrup Right? A New Interpretation of the 16th Century Sea Monk of the Øresund, Charles Paxton) (very interesting!!! Go read the whole thing!),
"Note that Steenstrup's reconstructions of Belon's and Rondelet's pictures are not wholly the same as the originals we have seen."
Indeed.
Just imagine it : The Renaissance ! Questions on our relation to ourselves and how to try understanding god through the knowledge of human nature ! Perspective ! Revisiting of ancient texts ! But also, fish religion. Very very important topic we have got to focus on.
There has been a few suggestions for the actual creatures that were seen :
So, a bit off the mark, maybe.
But thats okay! Its an awesome concept, so i get the fascination, the ocean is still to this day mostly unexplored, so back then, any knowledge was good to take!
Now here is some doodles, because the imagery is just so very fun to me !