Making Sense of the Loch Ness Mysteries

Loch Ness is a part of the Scottish Highlands which has always been associated with mystery. From the times of St Columba, there is a steady stream of stories that relate to the beast. Meanwhile a thriving tourism industry has a home in the locality. The mystery is one of the key selling points which are utilized by the tourist boards in order to attract people to different stalls.

1. Superstition and religious fervor: The story of St Columba commanding the fearsome beast to return to the water is the stuff of religious fervor. It points to the strength of God in getting rid of one of the most important dangers for the Pictish tribes at that point in time. At the same time one can conclude that the story points to the existence of a struggle between the forces of Christianity and Paganism. It is through these experiences that we can fully identify the different issues that have created a monster. The belief in the monster is not exclusively religious but also takes in popular elements which create urban myths.

2. Political turmoil and cultural identity: The locality of Loch Ness has been the scene of many political events especially the ones that surround the Jacobite revolution. Perhaps the mysteries that surround the monster are meant to elevate the locality into something that would frighten the English away. There is no better way to keep an invader on their toes than to remind them that the place that they desire is full of mysterious creatures which eat human flesh. In the mind of a medieval warrior, these are temporary distractions which might require intervention from a saint before proceeding with their pilgrimage.

3. Modern commercialism and cynicism: There is another explanation for the Loch Ness monster. It is nothing to do with the history of the place or any religious leanings. Rather it is recognition that there is plenty of money to be made from peddling legends. It is the same cynicism that creates conspiracy theories for the purposes of ensuring that the public is glued to any particular source of new information. That is why a member of the community felt the need to get a toy submarine and then photograph it as part of an elaborate hoax to promote the monster. The tourist board is reaping the benefits of interest in the locality and its mysteries.

4. Scientific interest in the monster: With all the evidence that has been gathered about the Loch Ness, it was inevitable that the scientific community would get some interest. The search for truth is very seductive if you are dealing with complex denials by various people. Therefore some PHD students have invested their time into researching the veracity of the monster. Most of these findings are rather inconclusive. That means that the legends continue to burn with increased fervor. It would take some serious intervention in order to have all the full facts that relate to the monster or the various guises under which it has been discovered.