Leviathans
Leviathans are colossal aquatic fictional creatures. They are commonly found in both pirate and fantasy worlds but versions of them can also be found in space operas, steampunk, and other genres. Leviathans may be peaceful or violent (commonly territorial) and may be the cause of ship graveyards. Leviathans can be any type of massive marine creature, but certain animals are more commonly used in worldbuilding than others: squid and octopi (kraken), serpents, fish, sea dragons, sea turtles, crabs, and sharks are often used as a template for an enlarged leviathan version. Leviathans (or leviathan-like creatures) may inhabit other types of fictional seas, such as grass seas, underground seas, or sand seas. Leviathans may have legends associated with them told by old sea dogs in seaside taverns. They often swallow characters in narratives and may have large stomach areas.
| Synonyms: sea beasts, sea monsters, kraken |
| Example Mythonyms: the beast of the Emerald Isles, the Waterwyrm |
Designing Fictional Leviathans
Archetypes
Overview
Leviathan fictional creature design often begins with an animal template (a squid, a serpent, a fish), that is then built upon. Scales, fins, tentacles, blowholes, beaks, eye-stalks, pincers, and bioluminescent patterns may be present. Also consider the behavior of your leviathan. They may prefer to roam in certain territories or they may migrate. They may have unusual relationships to fictional plants or other creatures of your fictional deep.
Common Templates
- Squid
- Octopus
- Serpent
- Whale
- Sea Turtle
- Crab
- Lobster
- Sea Igauna
- Oarfish
- Anglerfish
- Eel
Leviathans may be hunted for sport, for material (such as oil), or to protect valuable shipping lanes. Consider what type of specialized ship and equipment may be needed for this endeavor.
Leviathans are often used to explore themes of obsession.
