Field Notes
Maritime Lore
12 articles in this thread of the Field Notes.
The Kraken: Legend Origins and Real-Life Inspiration
Uncover the murky waters of the Kraken legend, tracing its roots and the real sightings that might have birthed this monstrous sea tale.
28 September 2026 · 2 min read
Will o' the Wisp: Marsh Lights and Their Mysteries
Will o' the wisp, mysterious marsh lights, have for centuries lured the unwary to their doom, deeply entwining themselves with maritime lore and mystery.
17 September 2026 · 2 min read
Selkie Folklore and the Sorrow Beneath the Seal-Skin Legends
In the icy waters of the North, selkies shed their sealskins to walk among humans, harbouring deep tales of longing and transformation.
7 September 2026 · 2 min read
The History of Fog Horns and Their Mournful Sound
Explore the haunting history of fog horns. Understand why their sound is so mournfully tied to maritime lore and safety.
27 August 2026 · 3 min readThe Dark Origins of Siren and Mermaid Myths
The origins of mermaid and siren myths reveal a dark, alluring past where beauty and danger intertwine. Their influence remains potent in modern storytelling.
17 August 2026 · 2 min readThe Mary Celeste: Unraveling the Enigma of the Empty Ship
The Mary Celeste, discovered adrift and unmanned in 1872, remains one of the sea's most enduring mysteries. What truly happened on that fateful voyage?
3 August 2026 · 2 min readLife Before Automation: The Lighthouse Keeper's Reality
Explore the demanding, isolated life of lighthouse keepers before automation took over. Uncover the daily grind, storms, and solitude at Cape Mourn.
20 July 2026 · 3 min read
Ghost Ships of Folklore and Their Lingering Mystique
From the Flying Dutchman to the Mary Celeste, ghost ships dwell in the depths of maritime lore, unsettling us with their tales of mystery and doom.
9 July 2026 · 3 min readSt Elmo's Fire: Sailor Superstitions Explained
The eerie glow of St Elmo's Fire has fascinated and frightened sailors for centuries. Explore the blend of natural phenomena and maritime superstition.
2 July 2026 · 3 min readWhy Are Lighthouses So Unsettling? The Psychology of Isolation
A lighthouse exists to keep people safe. So why does the image of one, alone on a rock at night, fill us with dread?
24 June 2026 · 4 min readDrowned Spirits and Sea Monsters: The Folklore Behind Maritime Horror
Sailors have always known the sea keeps what it takes. The folklore they left behind is still the richest vein in horror.
3 June 2026 · 4 min readThe Flannan Isles Mystery: Three Keepers Who Vanished
A tidied kitchen. A stopped clock. Three experienced keepers gone without a trace. The Flannan Isles vanishing has refused to be solved for over a century.
8 April 2026 · 5 min read