The First Historical Report of the Loch Ness Monster

Saint Columba's Encounter with the Loch Ness Monster

Artistic Depiction of the Loch Ness Monster

In the annals of folklore, few tales capture the imagination quite like that of the Loch Ness Monster. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, the lake and its mysterious inhabitant have become a symbol of mystery, captivating generations with its elusive presence in the depths of the lake. Venturing into the depths of Loch Ness's rich history reveals reports of a mysterious aquatic entity that predates the Loch Ness Monster's emergence as a modern-day phenomenon. Centuries before the 19th-century surge in interest, reports of peculiar sightings were already woven into the tapestry of Scottish folklore. Our journey begins in the 6th century with the account of the life of Saint Columba, a historical figure whose encounter with an entity from the River Ness adds an early layer to the lore.

The Life of Saint Columba

The legend of Saint Columba and the Loch Ness Monster is not based on historical records but rather on folklore and legend. The story is often traced back to the "Life of St. Columba," a hagiography written by Adomnán of Iona, who was an abbot of Iona and a contemporary of Saint Columba. Adomnán's "Life of St. Columba" was written in the 7th century, and it contains various miraculous and supernatural events attributed to Saint Columba.

According the book, in the 6th century, Saint Columba, an Irish abbot and missionary, established a monastery on the island of Iona in Scotland. Known for his missionary zeal, Saint Columba undertook numerous journeys to spread the Christian message. His encounters with various tribes, including the Picts, left a lasting impact on the area of Scotland.

Saint Columba, a revered Irish abbot and missionary of the 6th century, played a crucial role in the Christianization of Scotland
Photo by Gary Ellis on Unsplash

The Encounter with the Loch Ness Monster

One day, as he traveled near the River Ness to visit King Bridei, the pagan King of Fortriu, with the intention of converting him to the Christian faith, Saint Columba came upon a group of Picts mourning the passing of a man who had been attacked by a fearsome water monster in the river.

Filled with compassion and a desire to help, Saint Columba asked one of his followers to swim across the river. The man bravely entered the water, and to the amazement of the onlookers, the monstrous creature surfaced and charged toward him. In the name of God, Saint Columba raised his hand, making the sign of the cross, and called upon the creature to stop. 

The Loch Ness area exudes a very mysterious atmosphere
Photo by Ezra Winston on Unsplash

According to the legend, despite being only a spear's length away from the swimming monk, the monster abruptly halted and swiftly retreated in dread upon hearing the saint's words. According to Adamnan's account, the creature retreated with a speed that seemed faster than if it had been forcibly pulled back with ropes. Saint Columba declared that the power of God had subdued the beast and assured the people that, while he couldn't make the monster disappear, from that moment on, it would no longer be able to harm humans, and they would be free from trouble caused by the creature. The Picts, witnessing this miracle, were reportedly amazed and converted to Christianity.

This legendary encounter between Saint Columba and the creature in the River Ness is often cited as one of the earliest accounts related to the Loch Ness Monster.