Morag (lake monster) facts for kids
| Sub grouping | Loch monster |
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Mòrag (Scottish Gaelic) |
| Country | Scotland |
| Region | Loch Morar |
| Habitat | Water |
Morag (Scottish Gaelic: Mòrag) is the nickname for a mysterious creature. Many people believe it lives in Loch Morar in Scotland. It's a type of lake monster, similar to the famous Nessie. Morag is one of Scotland's most talked-about legendary creatures. The name "Morag" is a Scottish girl's name. It's also a clever play on the name of the loch itself. People have reported seeing Morag since 1887. By 1981, there were 34 reported sightings. Sixteen of these sightings were seen by more than one person.
What is Morag?
Morag is often described as a large, snake-like creature. It is said to live deep within the waters of Loch Morar. Loch Morar is Scotland's deepest freshwater loch. It is also the fifth largest by surface area. This deep, dark loch provides a perfect home for a hidden creature.
Famous Sightings
People have claimed to see Morag for over a hundred years. These sightings have made Morag a well-known part of Scottish folklore. Each report adds to the mystery of this elusive creature.
The 1971 Incident
One of the most famous sightings happened in 1971. Two local men, Duncan McDonell and William Simpson, were in their boat. They claimed they accidentally hit the creature. This made the creature attack their boat.
Duncan McDonell used an oar to defend them. William Simpson fired his rifle at the creature. After this, the creature slowly sank out of sight. The men described it as being brown in color. They said it was about 25–30 feet (7.6–9.1 m) long. Its skin felt rough.
They also noted three humps on its back. These humps rose about 18 inches (46 cm) above the water. Its head was about a foot wide. The head was held about 18 inches (46 cm) out of the water. This detailed description helped make the Morag legend even more famous.
See also
- Muc-sheilch (Loch Maree and environs)
