Since I don’t speak Icelandic, I had to look up how to pronounce this very intimidating-looking word. Believe it or not, you pronounce Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster basically how you spell it. Not so scary in the end. The monster attached to that name, however…pretty f*cking scary.
This is the third of four articles in the Icelandic sea monster mini-series.
For my usage policy on generative AI, click here.
Origins of Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster
According the good and trustworthy people of Tumblr, “the Skeljaskrímsli was first sighted in the 18th century, and has been seen intermitently (sic) since then, including a notable occasion when the crew of an English trawler claim to have caught the creature in their net.”
More than likely, Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster is another product of sea madness, where sailors on a long voyage start seeing monsters in the waves.
Could also be alcohol. One or the other.
Appearance
The name Skeljaskrímsli comes from the coat of iridescent scale-like shells that make up the creatures skin. It is a quadrapede (unusual for a sea creature) about the size of a large horse or hippo. It has circular clawed feet that it uses to cling to the rocky bottom of the sea during storms. It’s mouth glows with inhuman light, it’s eyes burn red, and it has long, sharp teeth.
Powers and Abilities
A Violent Temper
Unlike it’s closest relation, the Shore Laddie, Skeljaskrímsli has a mean streak a mile wide. When it surfaces, often during a squall at sea, it will seek any nearby light it happens to come across. Consequently, many sea-dwelling folks have awoken to deep gashes in their doors where the Skeljaskrímsli tried to gain entry during the storm.
Poisonous Blood
With it’s armor-like scales, the Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster is not easy to wound. And even if you do manage to pierce its flesh, the bad times don’t end there–it’s toxic blood is deadly to humans. If so much as a drop touches your skin, an agonizing death awaits.
Defeating Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster
The Jaws Rule
As with our previous Icelandic sea monsters, the first line of defense is the simplest: Don’t go in the water. Or, you know, on the beach. In the case of Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster, who only breaches the surface on moonless winter nights, this shouldn’t be too big of an ask.
Heed the Warnings
Its plated shells may protect it from most weapons, but they also make a lot of noise, rattling and grating as it moves, thus giving you an audible warning of it’s approach. It also has a very strong, unpleasant smell, which I assume resembles rotting fish and sea detritus. Between the noise and the stink, that should give you plenty of reason to run.
Get Your Gun
If you find yourself with no alternative but to engage in combat, make sure you bring your gun. Also, make sure it’s filled with “silver buttons, grey willow catkins, or lamb droppings,” since that is apparently the only ammunition capable of wounding or killing Skeljaskrímsli the Shell Monster.
Just watch out for that blood spatter.
Happy Monday, Mer-monsters!
