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1627 A Beast Called Su
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1627 A Beast Called Su
1627 Woodblock engraving in the text. From Sebastian Munsters account of the New World from the Cosmographia. German edition of 1627 dealing with the navigation of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. The Su turns up in bestiaries since Gessner and Topsell 1607. It is said to come from Patagonia, a land of giants (there were greatly exagerated reports of the size of the Tehuelche tribe in Patagonia right up to Darwins day). All authors report that the Su is " cruel, untameable, impatient, violent, ravening and bloudy (sic)" (Topsell). They also state that it devours its own young rather than let them be taken by Hunters. What this animal might be based on is unclear
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6318619
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
16th Century 17th Century Beast Cryptozoology Early Engraving Fantastic Gesner Gessner Monster Myth Mythical Mythology Natural History Patagonia South America Tierra Del Fuego Topsell Wood Cut Cosmographia Cryptid
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This print showcases a 1627 woodblock engraving titled "A Beast Called Su" from Sebastian Munster's account of the New World in the Cosmographia. This German edition delves into Magellan's navigation to Tierra del Fuego, where the enigmatic creature known as Su originates. The origins of this mythical beast remain shrouded in mystery, with references dating back to Gessner and Topsell's bestiaries from 1607. Hailing from Patagonia, a land associated with giants due to exaggerated reports about the Tehuelche tribe's size, the Su is described by various authors as cruel, untameable, impatient, violent, ravening, and bloody. Astonishingly, these accounts claim that rather than allowing hunters to capture their young offspring, the Su devours them instead. The true identity of this fantastical creature remains elusive and open to interpretation. Its depiction in this early 17th-century illustration evokes both awe and intrigue. The intricate woodcut artistry adds an air of authenticity to its existence within South American mythology. This remarkable piece serves as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with creatures beyond our understanding. It invites us into a world where myth intertwines with natural history and cryptozoology takes center stage. Paul D. Stewart masterfully captures the essence of this enigma through his skillful presentation of Munster's artwork – an exploration into an age-old mystery that continues to captivate minds even
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