Terra Incognita, Sea Monsters and Mythical Symbolism
The Latin term Terra Incognita 5 means unknown lands. The term Mare Incognita means unknown seas. From ancient times of the early cartographer, additional embellishments such as mythical and monster-like sea creatures, mythical figures or impressive animals were added to emphasize the impending dangers that these adventures could bring or perhaps just to embellish and to refer to mythical folklore and traditions. Cartographers in Medieval ages up to the l7th century (and even later) have used fantastic beasts, serpents and sea monsters to decorate their oceans and seas. Whether it was to depict the contemporary sea-faring legends of the day, or to exaggerate the exploration of the unknown, this mapping technique (used as a visual aid or filler) was always a favorite among cartographers and their patrons.
There are so many variations of these sea creatures and mythological connections that they have not been found specifically with any particular style of map. The two concepts, the unknown and medieval myths (1200-1600's "urban legends") particularly fit many of the maps because truly, these discovery assignments were the first of their kind as recorded explorations. Many of these creature and animal renderings go back as far as early Roman and Greek eras. This tradition of adding creatures continued even up to the 16th century as decorative embellishments on globes. The oldest existing globe ca.1503 can be seen at the collection of artifacts and maps in the New York public library. The globe shows dragon-like beasts and actually has the words inscribed "Here be dragons" (using the Latin "hic sunt dracones") (Da Costa 529-540). By the 19th century, the unknown, mythical embellishments and sea creatures lost their popularity along with the inscriptions of Terra Incognita disappeared from maps once both the coastlines and inner parts of the continents had been fully explored.
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