The Loch Ness Monster: Myth, Hoax, or Hidden Creature?

For nearly 1,500 years, stories of a mysterious creature lurking in Loch Ness have captivated the world. Whether it's a prehistoric survivor, an undiscovered species, or just an enduring legend, the Loch Ness Monster—better known as Nessie—remains one of the most famous cryptids of all time.

In our latest episode of This Podcast Is A Secret, we explore the history, sightings, scientific theories, and eerie encounters that keep the mystery alive.

Where Did the Legend Begin?

• The first recorded Nessie sighting dates back to 565 AD, when Saint Columba reportedly saw a large beast attack a man in the River Ness.

• The modern legend took off in the 1930s, when a newly built road along the loch gave people an uninterrupted view of the water, leading to a wave of sightings.

• Since then, photographs, videos, sonar scans, and even DNA studies have tried to uncover the truth—but Nessie remains elusive.

  
  

The Most Famous Sightings & Evidence

• The Spicer Incident (1933) – A couple claimed to see a massive, long-necked creature cross the road and disappear into the loch.

• The Surgeon’s Photo (1934) – The most famous Nessie image, later revealed to be a hoax using a toy submarine.

• Sonar & Underwater Scans – Several sonar studies have picked up large, moving objects beneath the loch’s surface.

• 2021 Drone Footage – A drone captured an unexplained shape gliding beneath the water, adding new fuel to the legend.

  
  

What Could Nessie Be?

• A Surviving Plesiosaur? – The classic theory, but highly unlikely since Loch Ness didn’t exist in the dinosaur era and is cold, fresh water—not plesiosaur-friendly.

• A Giant Eel? – A 2019 DNA study found large amounts of eel DNA, suggesting Nessie could be a massive, undiscovered eel.

• A Sturgeon or Seal? – Some sightings could be misidentified animals, like sturgeon or seals, known to appear in the loch.

• A Floating Log or Optical Illusion? – Many photos and videos could be driftwood, waves, or light distortions creating Nessie-like shapes.

  
  

Is There Any Truth to the Legend?

• Despite decades of investigations, no definitive proof of Nessie has ever been found.

• However, Loch Ness remains one of the best places on Earth for a cryptid to hide, with vast, murky depths and poor underwater visibility.

• Whether Nessie is real, a hoax, or just wishful thinking, the legend continues to captivate the imagination of believers and skeptics alike.

  
  

Listen to the Full Episode!

The Loch Ness Monster may be the world’s most famous cryptid, but does the evidence hold up? Or is Nessie just the greatest myth ever told?

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube!

Thanks for listening, but remember, don’t tell anyone about what you heard today, because This Podcast Is A Secret!