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Origins[]
The Jasconius is a creature with origins in Roman mythology, legend and folklore. In particular, accounts of its existence first arose in Pliny the Elder's Natural History. However, the specific name Jasconius is not given for the creature until a much later account from Medieval Europe (specifically in an account called The Legend of Saint Brendan).
Or, at least, most believe that the Jasconius is first mentioned in Ancient Greek texts. However, there are some that believe the creature is first mentioned in the Bible. Specifically, they believe that the Jasconius is the gigantic fish that swallows Jonah up, for three [3] days and three [3] nights, in Jonah 2:2. Though, in all actuality, there is no evidence that the two fish are the same, other than the fact that they can both grow to enormous size.
Likewise, no source actually even gives a translation for the name 'Jasconius', or any of the name's variations. The closest one comes to any name with a distinct meaning is when Pliny the Elder refers to the creature as "pristis", meaning "of immense size". And yet, this seems more like a description than a species name.
Appearance[]
Most easily apparent about the Jasconius is its immense size. It is said to appear like an island. In the middle high german version of the Navigatio sancti brendani abbatis (Von sente Brendan) transcribed by Dr. Thomas and F. Shannon it is said to have a small forest, a beach and even a small river on its back ("Darnach sach der heilige man einen schonen walt vor im stan, der stunt uf eime vische. an eime wazzer rische daz in daz wilde mer ran" VV. 165-169; "do sie quamen an die habe, do gienge sie alle abe in des waldes owen" VV. 173-175 ("habe" means something like berth)).
Behavior[]
It lures sailors by its appearence onto its back and as soon as they ignite a fire, it dives into the sea and kills the sailors that way. If followed the perception, that Jasconius is the whale that swallowed Jonah it would most likely not only kill sailors but also eat them (Jona 2,1). As a creature of gods creation it listens to gods orders as seen in the tale of Jonah (Jona 2,11).