bishop-fish

A sea-monster in European folklore that resembles a bishop. A bishop-fish was caught in the sixteenth century and taken to the King of Poland. When shown to group of Catholic bishops, the creature gestured to them, appealing to be released. The bishops granted its wish, at which point the creature reputedly made the sign of the cross and disappeared into the sea. Another one of the creatures was caught near Germany in 1531, but it refused to eat and died after three days.

See also sea monk.

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