Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
What ancient sailors really thought when they saw manta rays
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When ancient mariners saw mantas (reef or pelagic), they did not know they were harmless creatures. On the contrary, the rolled-up cephalic fins gave rise to the myth that terrifying devilfish would drag boats into the ocean depths! The Manta Ray Advocates team and I became curious about how different cultures worldwide have viewed mantas throughout history, and what we discovered was fascinating! Some cultures saw them as omens of good fortune, others as mystical beings that could carry souls between worlds. The stories show how humans tried to understand these mysterious creatures long before we knew anything about their biology. My favorite is the belief that manta rays were sea angels sent to guide lost sailors home safely. Having experienced the transformational power of swimming with mantas, this doesn't feel far-fetched; something about being in their presence makes you feel you're encountering another realm. We've put together the most intriguing myths and legends about manta rays from around the world:
These ancient stories are a beautiful reminder of the wonder that manta rays have always inspired in humans. After encountering the gentle giants, we see it in every guest's eyes.
Also, do you know any myths or legends about the ocean? Hit reply and tell me about them—I love hearing those stories!
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Martina Wing
Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
Aloha Reader, Have you ever had the feeling that everything you thought you knew about the world just went out the window? The first time that happened to manta ray enthusiasts around the world, was around 2009, when scientists confirmed there was not just one, but two species of manta rays. There were enough differences between reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) and pelagic or oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) to identify them as two different species. Reef mantas are the ones we see almost...
Aloha Reader, If you've been following me for a while, you know this about me: I'm not afraid to speak my truth. And with recent global and local developments, I've been looking for other avenues to share wonderful and inspiring stories of hope and engagement. One of those "other avenues" is the Ocean Wings podcast, where I invite guests to explore how nature can reconnect us to what really matters in life. The tagline, "From Manta Ray Magic to Meaningful Change," hopefully resonates with...
Aloha Reader, After 25+ years of taking people to swim with manta rays, we've heard some pretty interesting questions. Most of our guests are amazing - they come prepared, respect the ocean, and understand that we're entering the mantas' home as visitors. But sometimes, we get questions that make us stop and wonder if we live in the same reality, so today's email will be a bit punchy... Like the parents who asked to leave their young kids alone on a dark, isolated beach while they joined the...