Since the early 1800s, a well-known legend has been centered on a body of water in the Scottish Highlands called Loch Ness, and it was so fearsome, it was given the moniker “Loch Ness monster.” The legend of the Loch Ness monster has become a staple of unexplained phenomena in mainstream culture worldwide. On November 12, 1933 Hugh Gray presented the first photographic evidence of this “monster,” turning many doubters into unquestioning believers. But after seeing the blurry photo of an aquatic creature with a serpentine body, not everyone was convinced the Loch Ness monster was a legitimate creature.
One of the most widely accepted theories about The Loch Ness monster, who is now affectionately called “Nessie,” is that it was a conspiratorial collaboration between local business owners in the Loch Ness region to increase tourism and fortify the economy. Two “sightings” in 1933 sent the media world abuzz, which indeed had positive effects on the local economy by drawing curious adventurers to the shores of Loch Ness in pursuit of a legend.
Many believers refuse to accept this theory about the Loch Ness monster and instead have turned to science for an explanation. A theory that began to gain traction was that Nessie is modified living dinosaur — a plesiosaur, to be more exact. Scientists have argued that it is possible that an evolved descendant of the plesiosaur could have become stuck in the loch when it became land locked, since this species was known to traverse the world’s oceans.
Recently, one of the more practical theories about the Loch Ness monster has been offered by Neil Clark, curator of paleontology at Glasgow University’s Hunterian Museum. Clark states that the sightings may have more likely been elephants enjoying a swim from circuses visiting the area. He believes that trunk and hump resemble the photographs and witness accounts of the infamous monster over time.
Needless to say, although no hard scientific proof exists to prove that The Loch Ness monster actually exists, this legend is one that continues to capture and mystify generations of explorers and truth seekers. Almost 80 years since the first announcement of its possible existence, the Loch Ness monster is still a subject of great debate and theorizing around the world.
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