Ep 7. The Loch Ness Monster
In History's Mysteries season 9 episode 7, titled "The Loch Ness Monster," the show delves into the mystery and legend of the creature known as Nessie. The episode begins by recounting the earliest sightings of the monster in the 6th century, and then fast forwards to the famous sighting in 1933 by a couple driving along the Loch Ness. The episode explores several eyewitness accounts, as well as attempts to capture photographic evidence of the creature.
One story that the show explores is the tale of Saint Columba, who allegedly encountered the monster in the 6th century while on a missionary trip to Scotland. The show interviews experts who provide explanations for the strange creatures that could have been mistaken for the monster, such as large eels or otters. However, some still believe that there is something unexplainable residing in the vast, deep waters of Loch Ness.
The episode also highlights the first sonar research carried out in the loch, which produced some mysterious results. Experts discuss the possibility of a plesiosaur, a prehistoric creature believed extinct for millions of years. They also explore the idea of a long-lived Greenland shark, which can grow to over 16 feet in length and are known to inhabit the frigid waters of the Arctic.
The show then moves on to the many attempts over the years to capture photographic evidence of the creature. Perhaps the most famous of these is the 1934 "Surgeon's photograph," which depicts a long-necked creature emerging from the water. The photograph was later revealed to be a hoax perpetrated by a group of men, but the legend of Nessie only continued to grow.
The show also interviews scientists who have used more modern technology to try and find evidence of the creature, such as DNA analysis of the loch's water. While some have claimed to find DNA that could belong to an unknown species, others remain skeptical, given the often murky conditions and many other possible sources of contamination.
In the end, the episode offers no concrete answers to the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. But it does provide a fascinating look at the many theories and attempts to explain the unexplainable. Whether the monster is real or simply a myth, the legend of Nessie remains a source of fascination and intrigue for people around the world.
