Most people think of Iceland as a frozen paradise that’s tucked away into its own little world. While that assessment is mostly correct, people tend to forget that Iceland’s folklore is filled to the brim with horrifying cryptids.
There are so many different legends to choose from, but one of the most interesting (and the one with the most evidence working in its favor) is that of the so-called “Lagarfljót Worm.”
The Lagarfljót Worm was brought to life in an urban legend way back in 1345.
Villagers living near lake Lagarfljót (pictured below) often reported seeing something large moving beneath the water’s surface.
Seeing the creature is thought to portend a disastrous event.
According to legend, the worm is 39 feet long, and is sometimes seen outside of the water coiled around a tree.
For such an old legend, the Lagarfljót Worm is spotted with relative frequency. Throughout the 20th century, half a dozen people, including the head of the Icelandic National Forest Service, say that they’ve encountered the beast.
However, the best evidence for the creature’s existence came in 2012 when a pair of tourists captured something long and slithery swimming beneath the surface of the lake.
Surprisingly enough, a government inquiry deemed the video genuine and officials found no reason to doubt the existence of the Lagarfljót Worm.
(via: Cryptidz)
Honestly, this just makes me want to visit Iceland even more. Time to pack my bags!