Turtles have crawled their way into the myths and legends of cultures around the world for thousands of years. These slow-moving creatures often symbolize wisdom, longevity, and the foundation of the earth itself.
In honor of World Turtle Day, let’s explore some of the most fascinating turtle figures from global folklore that have shaped our understanding of these remarkable reptiles throughout human history.
1. The World Turtle (Akupāra)
In Hindu mythology, Akupāra is an enormous turtle that supports the weight of the world on its shell. Ancient texts describe how this cosmic reptile carries four elephants on its back, who in turn hold up the entire earth.
The World Turtle represents incredible strength and endurance – qualities that made turtles perfect symbols for creation myths.
Even today, many Hindu temples feature turtle imagery in their architecture as a reminder of this foundational being. Some versions of the story claim Akupāra is an avatar of the god Vishnu, connecting this humble creature to divine power and cosmic significance.
2. The Black Tortoise Of The North
Guardian of winter and water, the Black Tortoise (Xuanwu) stands as one of the Four Symbols in Chinese astronomy. This mysterious creature combines a turtle and a snake, creating a powerful hybrid that protects the northern sky.
Ancient Chinese emperors built temples honoring this celestial being, believing it brought protection against floods and enemies from the north. The creature’s black color represents the element of water and the winter season.
In feng shui practices, Black Tortoise imagery placed in the northern part of homes or gardens brings protection and stability to families.
3. Aspidochelone: The Island-Turtle
Sailors of the Middle Ages lived in fear of the Aspidochelone – a gigantic sea turtle often mistaken for an island. Ships would anchor on what seemed like a peaceful shore, only for sailors to light fires and suddenly find themselves sinking as the “island” dove underwater!
This crafty creature appears in bestiaries across medieval Europe and in Arabic travel accounts. The name comes from Greek words meaning “shield-turtle,” referring to its massive protective shell.
Many scholars believe these legends started when sailors spotted real sea turtles but dramatically exaggerated their size in retelling their adventures.
4. Kurma: Vishnu’s Turtle Avatar
When gods and demons needed to churn the cosmic ocean to retrieve precious treasures, Vishnu transformed into Kurma – a massive turtle who provided the stable base for this universal task. His shell became the pivot point for Mount Mandara, which served as the churning rod.
As the second avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kurma represents stability during times of chaos. The churning produced amazing treasures, including the elixir of immortality and the goddess Lakshmi.
Hindu art often depicts this scene with gods and demons pulling a giant serpent wrapped around the mountain that rests on Kurma’s shell.
5. Maturin: The Cosmic Guardian
Stephen King’s imagination brought us Maturin, an ancient cosmic turtle who appears throughout his Dark Tower series.
This enormous being represents one of the twelve Guardians of the Beams that hold the multiverse together. Maturin created our universe by accident – he had a stomachache and threw up our world!
Despite this unglamorous beginning, the turtle became a force of goodness and wisdom in King’s complex mythology. Fans of King’s work recognize Maturin’s famous saying: “See the TURTLE of enormous girth, on his shell he holds the Earth.”
6. The Great A’Tuin
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels feature perhaps the most beloved fictional turtle in literature – the Great A’Tuin. This star turtle swims through space carrying four elephants on its shell, who in turn support the flat Discworld.
A’Tuin’s gender remained a mystery throughout much of the series, creating one of the central questions in Pratchett’s universe: where was the giant turtle heading? Scientists within the novels developed entire fields of study dedicated to understanding the cosmic chelonian’s purpose.
With a shell described as “frosted with frozen methane,” A’Tuin pays homage to world-turtle myths while adding Pratchett’s signature humor.
7. Gamera: Friend To All Children
Before Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made reptiles cool, Japanese cinema gave us Gamera – a giant, fire-breathing turtle who protected humanity (especially children) from other monsters.
Created in 1965 to compete with Godzilla, this prehistoric creature was awakened by nuclear testing. Unlike most movie monsters, Gamera quickly evolved from villain to hero.
He flies by tucking his limbs into his shell and shooting flames from the openings, spinning like a flying saucer!
The original film series spawned eleven movies, with Gamera earning the affectionate nickname “Friend to All Children” for his protective nature toward kids.
8. Kappa: The River Trickster
Japanese folklore warns of the kappa – turtle-like water imps who love cucumbers but have a darker side. These child-sized creatures sport turtle shells on their backs and water-filled depressions on their heads that give them supernatural strength.
Mischievous by nature, kappa play pranks on humans but can turn dangerous, drowning swimmers or stealing their souls through their bottoms!
The secret to defeating a kappa? Bow politely. When it bows back, the water spills from its head, weakening it instantly. Modern Japan still embraces kappa in popular culture, with cucumber sushi rolls named “kappamaki” in their honor.
9. Archelon: The Prehistoric Giant
Not all legendary turtles come from fiction – Archelon was very real! This prehistoric sea turtle swam through oceans 75 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, alongside dinosaurs and massive marine reptiles.
Growing up to 15 feet long with a 13-foot flipper span, Archelon dwarfs modern turtles. Its name literally means “ruling turtle” in Greek, a fitting title for the largest turtle that ever lived.
Unlike today’s hard-shelled turtles, Archelon had a leathery shell reinforced with a framework of bones – an adaptation that likely made it faster in the water despite its enormous size.
10. Ao: The Divine Blue Dragon-Turtle
Chinese mythology tells of Ao, a divine blue creature combining features of both dragon and turtle. Sometimes portrayed as multiple beings (the Ao brothers), these magnificent creatures were tasked with carrying sacred mountains on their backs.
The Dragon King of the Eastern Sea sometimes appears in turtle form as Ao, commanding the waters with his mighty power. His blue coloration represents the vast depths of the ocean and the mystery of water itself.
Many Chinese artistic traditions depict Ao supporting pagodas or carrying immortals across celestial waters, symbolizing the creature’s role as a bridge between mortal and divine realms.
11. Morla: The Ancient One
“The NeverEnding Story” introduced millions of children to Morla, the Ancient One – a massive turtle dwelling in the Swamps of Sadness. This wise but apathetic creature had lived so long she couldn’t distinguish herself from the surrounding world anymore.
When the young hero Atreyu seeks her wisdom, Morla speaks about herself in the plural “we,” having existed for so many centuries that she considers herself part of everything. Her indifference represents the danger of losing oneself to time and isolation.
Despite her initially unhelpful attitude, Morla provides crucial information that helps Atreyu on his quest to save Fantasia.
12. The Turtle In Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, the turtle is often associated with the god Hermes, who is said to have created the lyre from a turtle’s shell.
The story goes that Hermes, as a child, found a turtle and, using its shell, crafted the first stringed instrument. The turtle’s shell became a symbol of creation and innovation in Greek myth.
Turtles were also linked to the idea of wisdom and longevity, as their slow and steady movements represented patience.
Their connection to Hermes, the god of communication and travelers, further emphasizes the turtle’s symbolic role as a bridge between the mortal world and divine inspiration.