The legend of Porphyrios, a colossal whale that terrorized the waters near Constantinople in the 6th century, is a fascinating tale from Byzantine history. This whale, whose existence is documented by the Byzantine historian Procopius, was known for its immense size and destructive behavior, causing havoc for seafarers in the region for over fifty years.
Procopius described Porphyrios as being around 45 feet long and 15 feet wide. There is some debate about the species of Porphyrios; it could have been a sperm whale, given its size and temperament, or possibly an unusually large orca, considering its geographical habitat. True whales rarely venture into the waters Porphyrios frequented, which could support the orca identification.
The name “Porphyrios” itself is a subject of debate. It may have derived from a contemporary charioteer, symbolizing the whale’s significance or power, or it might have referred to the skin color of the whale, which could have been misinterpreted as dark purple.
Emperor Justinian I, ruling at the time, made it a priority to capture Porphyrios, as the whale’s attacks on fishing vessels, merchant ships, and warships posed a significant threat to the safety of maritime routes. However, capturing or killing the whale proved to be a challenge.
The end of Porphyrios came when it accidentally beached itself while chasing dolphins near the mouth of the Black Sea. Unable to free itself, the locals seized the opportunity to kill the whale that had been a menace for so long. They used ropes and wagons to haul the whale further up the beach and then butchered it, celebrating their victory over the sea monster.
Porphyrios’s story has been referenced in various historical and fictional works, underscoring its impact on the cultural and maritime history of the Byzantine era. The whale’s infamy and the terror it instilled in the sailors of Constantinople make it a notable figure in the folklore of the region.