Bilk - no 052 - 1993 03

Magazine Overview

BILK #52, published in March 1993 by Ulrich Magin, is a fortean magazine covering a range of unusual phenomena. The subscription cost is DM 15.

Behemoth

This section features "Newsletter 111" from Rip Hepple, UK, which discusses recent, though inconclusive, sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. It also announces the upcoming publication of a new book by the publisher titled "Trolle, Yetis, Tatzelwürmer," a comprehensive study of German forteana, including chapters on dragons and mermaids in European freshwater. A significant report details a sighting on Lake Champ on September 5, 1990, by Sheila Barrera. Two witnesses observed a creature with three humps, estimated to be 50 ft long, with dark, shiny skin, that shifted from side to side. They ruled out a boat's wake or a log as explanations.

Isis

This section explores the theme of mermaids in popular culture, noting a Barbie doll commercial and a poster campaign in Germany featuring a mermaid. It also includes a peculiar report from "Die Rheinpfalz" (December 4, 1992) about a mummified penis found on Bermagui Beach, Australia, which was confirmed as such after scientific investigation. The section notes that this topic relates to evidence for aquatic hominids.

Leviathan

Referencing Bruce Chatwin's book "What am I doing here?", this part discusses water monsters and local demons associated with the Hongkong Harbour area. Geomant Lung King Chuen explains that the area was built on dry seabed, and local legends speak of sea monsters annoyed by being buried. The author suggests these might be understood within the context of Chinese feng shui or geomancy, rather than purely cryptozoological discoveries. A chapter on geomancy for a German book on leys is also mentioned.

Kraken

This section delves into a story about Orson Welles and a potential film about a "giant octopus." While reading about Hollywood, the author found a reference in Otto Friedrich's book "Markt der schönen Lügen" (1988) about a story Welles discovered in "Time" magazine. The tale involves four fishermen adrift who encountered a "Jacaré the alligator" and a climax involving a fight between a shark and a giant octopus. The filmmaker's raft capsized, and the story concludes with the discovery of Jacaré's head and parts of the octopus in a shark's stomach. The author expresses skepticism, comparing it to 1920s tales, and asks readers for more information. It also mentions Luc Besson's movie "Atlantis" featuring octopuses, clarifying they are likely from British Columbia and not cryptozoological.

Marine Life

Two brief reports are included: an 18-year-old surfer was killed by a shark off Honolulu, and a crocodile named Gregory bit a guard's arm at the Australian Reptile Park in Innisfail.

USO

This section revisits the topic of alleged Soviet submarines in Swedish waters. It notes the disturbing news of rotting Soviet nuclear submarine wrecks and expresses hope that new openness will reveal what happened in the 1980s. The author questions whether Swedish sightings were of actual submarines or misinterpretations of natural phenomena like whales and wakes, a view previously maintained by the author.

Myths

Two reports are presented. The first discusses a theory by geologists Edith Kristan-Tollmann and Alexander Trollmann of Vienna University, who propose that the great deluge started on September 23, 9545 BP, at 1500 CET, triggered by a comet impact. They have published a book on their findings. The author expresses doubt about "scientific" interpretations of myths and notes that the exact date echoes the claimed sinking date of Atlantis. The second report mentions a book by Manfred Jakubowski-Tiessen, "Sturmflut 1717," about a large flood in Eastern Friesland in 1717, which is described as less sensational but scientific.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, cryptozoology, folklore, and historical mysteries. The editorial stance appears skeptical yet open to investigation, questioning sensational claims while encouraging the pursuit of evidence and information. There's a recurring interest in ancient myths, potential misinterpretations of natural events, and the cultural significance of legends.