Skeljaskrimsli

 


Skeljaskrimsli is a monster or cryptid that was reportedly seen on Icelandic beaches from between the 1780's to the 1910's. Its name means shell monster. Alternately known as fjorulalli (beach walker) or Saeulfur (sea wolf).

The skeljaskrimsli is a large bear shaped creature. Individuals vary in size from wolf sized to horse sized. The creature has long fangs or tusks, long claws, an arched back and long tail that ends in a club. It's most notable feature is its coat of shells or pangolin like scales completely covering its body except the belly and lower limbs. These shells would rub together and create a lot of noise, warning of its presence. The creature was dark in color, like mussel shells, with red eyes and sometimes a bioluminescent mouth.

People could hear the skeljaskrimsli approaching long before it was seen. As it came closer it also gave off a powerful stench. It's fortunate that this creature gave such warnings of its approach, as it was quite violent. Its thick coat of shells also made it immune to bullets and blades. The only way to harm it it was with luck charms or folk remedies, such as silver bullets and grey willow branches.

Even if someone were defeated the skeljaskrimsli they were likely to come away from the battle grievously injured or cursed. The skeljaskrimsli's blood was horribly toxic and even a small drop of it on your skin spelled a painful death. And even if even if someone were to avoid the blood the creature spread dead diseases, which anyone who came to close would catch. One farmer who fought and won against a skeljaskrimsli even caught leprosy. If a pregnant woman even saw a skeljaskrimsli from a distance she was fated to miscarry or the baby would die soon after birth.

Skeljaskrimslis would come onto shore during moonless or cloudy winter nights. They would be attracted to the light of houses with their candles burning late into the night and leave claw scratches on their front doors. Skeljaskrimslis would be seen most often right before or after bad weather.


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