Course on Maritime Legends and Folklore
Why this course?
Discover the secrets of the sea with our Maritime Legends and Folklore course.
Dive into the depths of imagination and explore stories of sea monsters, sunken treasures, and ship ghosts. Unravel the origins of sailors’ superstitions and understand how the ocean has shaped human culture. This course is a journey through mythology, history, and anthropology, revealing the fascinating connection between humankind and the sea.
Dive into the depths of imagination and explore stories of sea monsters, sunken treasures, and ship ghosts. Unravel the origins of sailors’ superstitions and understand how the ocean has shaped human culture. This course is a journey through mythology, history, and anthropology, revealing the fascinating connection between humankind and the sea.
What will you learn?
- Universal Myths and Legends: From mermaids to the Kraken, explore the creatures that populate the oceans in the collective imagination.
- Seafarers’ Folklore: Discover the customs, rituals, and beliefs that have guided sailors throughout history.
- The Sea in Literature and Art: Analyze how the ocean has inspired literary and artistic masterpieces.
- Cultural Impact of the Sea: Understand how maritime legends have influenced music, film, and other forms of cultural expression.
- Research Tools: Learn to analyze historical and mythological sources to uncover the truth behind the legends.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Sea and history lovers who wish to explore the hidden stories behind the myths and legends of navigation.
- Writers and storytellers seeking inspiration in maritime folklore to create captivating and original tales.
- Teachers and educators interested in enriching their classes with cultural content and fascinating narratives about the sea.
- Travelers and adventurers seeking to understand the cultural significance and ancestral connection between humanity and the ocean.
- Curious individuals and enthusiasts of oral traditions and stories passed down through generations about the deep sea.
Cultural Connection
Designed for curious minds:engaging and interactive sessions, supplementary reading material, and exploration of myths from various maritime cultures.
Objectives and competencies

Develop a critical appreciation for the influence of maritime narratives on the culture and identity of coastal communities:
“To identify and analyze how representations of the sea in literature, art, and oral tradition shape the collective perception and sense of belonging among coastal inhabitants.”

Identify and analyze the archetypes present in maritime stories and their universal resonance:
“To recognize the hero, the villain, the shadow, and the mentor in sea stories and to relate their symbolism to internal conflicts and universal human aspirations.”

Understanding the genesis and evolution of maritime legends through time and different cultures:
Identify the narrative archetypes and universal symbolism present in maritime legends, analyzing their influence on the worldview and collective imagination.

Discerning historical truth from myth in stories of shipwrecks, treasures, and sea creatures:
Analyze primary and secondary sources using the critical-historical method to differentiate verifiable evidence from interpretations and legends.

To foster narrative creativity through the reinterpretation and adaptation of classic maritime legends:
Drawing inspiration from marine mythology and folklore to construct original stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Navigating with knowledge: Applying the lessons of maritime legends to decision-making in risky situations.
“Identify patterns of success/failure in historical narratives, use them to anticipate possible consequences of decisions, and prioritize safety in uncertainty.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Maritime Mythology: Origins and Evolution
- Gods and Deities of the Sea: Poseidon/Neptune, Yemayá, Njord, etc.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Sirens, Kraken, Leviathan, Sea Serpents
- Tales of Shipwrecks and Tragedies: The Flying Dutchman, Medusa
- Heroic Voyages and Explorations: Odysseus, Jason and the Argonauts, Sinbad
- Mythical Islands and Legendary Lands: Atlantis, Avalon, Hy Brasil
- Rituals and Offerings to the Sea: Fishing Traditions, Coastal Cults
- The Importance of the Sea in Literature and art: Moby Dick, The Tempest
Folklore and sea legends: ghosts, hidden treasures, magical storms
The sea as a symbol: life, death, transformation, and the unknown
‘
- Introduction to the Maritime Worldview: Definition, Origins, and Evolution.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Kraken, Sirens, Leviathan, and Other Beasts.
- Foundational Myths: Origin of the Sea, Sea Gods, and Seafaring Heroes.
- Navigate Tales: Odyssey, Sinbad, Stories of Explorers and Shipwrecks.
- Rituals and Superstitions: Offerings, Spells, Amulets, and Their Meaning.
- The Sea as a Symbol: Life, Death, Transformation, Voyage, and the Unknown.
- Maritime Folklore: Songs, Legends, Tales, and Oral Traditions.
- Influence on Art: Painting, Literature, Music, and Film Inspired by the sea.
- Cultural syncretism: Fusion of indigenous and European beliefs in worldview.
- The sea today: Conservation, respect, and sustainability of the oceans.
‘
- Introduction to Oceanic Culture: Definitions, Approaches, and Relevance.
- Marine Cosmogony: Creation Myths and Sea Gods in Different Cultures.
- Maritime Initiation Rites: Ceremonies and Passage Practices in Coastal Communities.
- Narratives of Navigation: Epics, Legends, and Tales of Explorers and Navigators.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Mermaids, Sea Monsters, and Sacred Animals in Folklore.
- The Sea as Sacred Space: Places of Worship, Offerings, and Maritime Pilgrimages.
- Oceanic Art and Symbolism: Representations of the Sea in Painting, Sculpture, and Crafts.
- Marine Music and Dance: Cultural Expressions Related to the Sea and the Navigation.
**Maritime Festivals and Celebrations**: Popular festivals and events linked to the sea.
Impact of Modernity: Transformations and persistence of oceanic traditions.
‘
- Introduction to Nautical Mythology: Origin and function of marine myths.
- Sea Gods and Creatures: Poseidon/Neptune, sirens, leviathans, and other figures.
- The Sea in History: Explorations, naval battles, and ancient trade routes.
- Maritime Rituals and Ceremonies: Line christenings, offerings to the sea, and ship blessings.
- Sailors’ Superstitions: Amulets, taboos, and beliefs about weather and luck.
- Shipwreck Tales and Legends: Ghost ships, sunken treasure, and stories of survival.
- Sailors’ Songs and Shanties: Rhythm, teamwork, and stories of life at sea.
- Nautical Art and Symbolism: Tattoos, flags, anchors, and other maritime symbols.
- Seafood Gastronomy: Traditional dishes, ingredients, and culinary customs on board.
- Maritime Celebrations and Festivities: Regattas, sea festivals, and naval commemorations.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Maritime Mythology: Origins and Evolution
- Gods and Deities of the Sea: Poseidon/Neptune, Yemayá, Njord, etc.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Sirens, Kraken, Leviathan, Sea Serpents
- Tales of Shipwrecks and Tragedies: The Flying Dutchman, Medusa
- Heroic Voyages and Explorations: Odysseus, Jason and the Argonauts, Sinbad
- Mythical Islands and Legendary Lands: Atlantis, Avalon, Hy Brasil
- Rituals and Offerings to the Sea: Fishing Traditions, Coastal Cults
- The Importance of the Sea in Literature and art: Moby Dick, The Tempest
Folklore and sea legends: ghosts, hidden treasures, magical storms
The sea as a symbol: life, death, transformation, and the unknown
‘
- Introduction to the Maritime Worldview: Definition, Origins, and Evolution.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Kraken, Sirens, Leviathan, and Other Beasts.
- Foundational Myths: Origin of the Sea, Sea Gods, and Seafaring Heroes.
- Navigate Tales: Odyssey, Sinbad, Stories of Explorers and Shipwrecks.
- Rituals and Superstitions: Offerings, Spells, Amulets, and Their Meaning.
- The Sea as a Symbol: Life, Death, Transformation, Voyage, and the Unknown.
- Maritime Folklore: Songs, Legends, Tales, and Oral Traditions.
- Influence on Art: Painting, Literature, Music, and Film Inspired by the sea.
- Cultural syncretism: Fusion of indigenous and European beliefs in worldview.
- The sea today: Conservation, respect, and sustainability of the oceans.
‘
- Introduction to Oceanic Culture: Definitions, Approaches, and Relevance.
- Marine Cosmogony: Creation Myths and Sea Gods in Different Cultures.
- Maritime Initiation Rites: Ceremonies and Passage Practices in Coastal Communities.
- Narratives of Navigation: Epics, Legends, and Tales of Explorers and Navigators.
- Mythical Sea Creatures: Mermaids, Sea Monsters, and Sacred Animals in Folklore.
- The Sea as Sacred Space: Places of Worship, Offerings, and Maritime Pilgrimages.
- Oceanic Art and Symbolism: Representations of the Sea in Painting, Sculpture, and Crafts.
- Marine Music and Dance: Cultural Expressions Related to the Sea and the Navigation.
**Maritime Festivals and Celebrations**: Popular festivals and events linked to the sea.
Impact of Modernity: Transformations and persistence of oceanic traditions.
‘
- Introduction to Nautical Mythology: Origin and function of marine myths.
- Sea Gods and Creatures: Poseidon/Neptune, sirens, leviathans, and other figures.
- The Sea in History: Explorations, naval battles, and ancient trade routes.
- Maritime Rituals and Ceremonies: Line christenings, offerings to the sea, and ship blessings.
- Sailors’ Superstitions: Amulets, taboos, and beliefs about weather and luck.
- Shipwreck Tales and Legends: Ghost ships, sunken treasure, and stories of survival.
- Sailors’ Songs and Shanties: Rhythm, teamwork, and stories of life at sea.
- Nautical Art and Symbolism: Tattoos, flags, anchors, and other maritime symbols.
- Seafood Gastronomy: Traditional dishes, ingredients, and culinary customs on board.
- Maritime Celebrations and Festivities: Regattas, sea festivals, and naval commemorations.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to marine mythology: origins and function of myths.
- Mythical creatures of the oceans: Leviathan, Kraken, Sirens, and others.
- Seafaring traditions: rituals, superstitions, and customs.
- The sea in folklore: tales, legends, and folk songs.
- Hybrid beings: tritons, nereids, and sea deities.
- Creation myths: the origin of the world from the sea.
- Mythical navigators: Ulysses, Sinbad, and other legendary figures.
- Festivals and rituals in honor of the sea: Neptunalia, Matsuri, and others.
- The sea as a symbol: life, death, mystery, and transformation.
- Influence of marine myths on art and literature.
‘
- Founding Myths and Navigation: Origin of Maritime Cultures.
- Tales of Great Navigators: Legends and Realities of Exploration.
- Safety at Sea Throughout History: Evolution of Techniques and Tools.
- Myths and Natural Hazards: Climate, Sea Monsters, and Unexplained Phenomena.
- Seafaring Superstitions: Rites, Beliefs, and Their Impact on Safety.
- Shipwreck Stories: Lessons Learned from Tragedy.
- The Influence of Mythology on Nautical Terminology: Origin of Names and Concepts.
- Pirates and Privateers: Myths, Reality, and Their Impact on Maritime Safety.
- Popular Culture and the
- Marine Culture: Representations in Literature, Film, and Art
- The Future of Maritime Culture: Conservation, Education, and Contemporary Challenges
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Culture: Definitions and Scope
- Cosmogony and the Sea: Creation Myths and Sea Deities in Different Cultures
- Surveys of Seafarers: Odysseys, Epic Voyages, and Legendary Explorations
- Mythical Beings of the Sea: Mermaids, Kraken, Leviathans, and Other Fantastic Creatures
- Rituals and Traditions: Ship Christening Ceremonies, Offerings to the Sea, and Superstitions
- Maritime Symbolism: Anchors, Lighthouses, Sailors’ Knots, and Their Cultural Significance
- The Sea in Literature and Art: Representations of the Sea in Poetry, Painting, and Music
- Festivals and Celebrations
Maritime: Regattas, fishing festivals, and other cultural events
The impact of the sea on cultural identity: Coastal towns, fishing traditions, and seafood cuisine
Preservation of maritime heritage: Maritime museums, traditional boats, and ancestral knowledge
‘
- Introduction to sea culture: definition, scope, and relevance.
- Mythical sea creatures: origins, typologies, and cultural representations.
- Foundational myths related to the sea in different cultures.
- Sea deities: attributes, worship, and meaning in the worldview.
- Fishing and navigation rituals: propitiation, protection, and gratitude.
- Hybrid beings: mermaids, mermen, and other intermediate creatures.
- The sea as a symbol: fertility, danger, journey, and transformation.
- Festivities and celebrations: contemporary rituals in coastal communities.
- Cultural impact: art, literature, music, and Marine folklore.
- Conservation and respect: the culture of the sea as an awareness tool.
‘
Career opportunities
- Screenwriter/Documentary Filmmaker: Creation of audiovisual content about maritime legends, film adaptations, and documentaries.
- Writer/Novelist: Development of literary works inspired by maritime folklore, including short stories, novels, and sagas.
- Cultural Manager/Sociocultural Facilitator: Design and execution of cultural events, festivals, and recreational activities centered on the sea and its myths.
- Specialized Tour Guide: Creation of themed tourist routes, narration of stories and legends in coastal environments.
- Communicator/Educator: Conducting workshops, talks, and courses on maritime folklore, history, and culture.
- Researcher/Anthropologist: Study and analysis of maritime legends and folklore from a [specific] perspective Academic.
- Artist/Craftsman: Creation of artworks (paintings, sculptures, etc.) and crafts inspired by maritime legends.
- Consultant/Advisor: Support for tourism and cultural businesses in the creation of products and services based on maritime folklore.
Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Discover the Myths of the Sea: Explore the legends of mermaids, sea monsters, and ghost ships that have fascinated generations.
- Global Folklore: A journey through the maritime stories and beliefs of diverse cultures around the world.
- Impact on Culture: Analyze how these narratives have influenced literature, art, and music.
- Modern Interpretation: Reflect on the meaning and relevance of these legends in the contemporary world.
- Create Your Own Stories: Develop your creativity by drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of maritime folklore.
Testimonials
This background in maritime legends and folklore provided me with a solid foundation for my novel. I was able to weave authentic seafaring narratives and myths into my plot, creating a rich and captivating atmosphere that resonated with readers and earned me excellent reviews.
The Naval Culture and History course exceeded my expectations. I gained a deep understanding of maritime evolution, from ancient civilizations to the present day, including naval strategies, technology, and their impact on geopolitics. The dynamic lectures and the materials provided allowed me to grasp the importance of the sea in the development of societies and its influence on the contemporary world.
My understanding of maritime narratives has been completely transformed. I can now critically analyze legends, from the Kraken to the Bermuda Triangle, identifying their origins, symbolism, and evolution across time and cultures. This training has given me the tools to discern between myth and reality, enriching my appreciation for the complex relationship between humanity and the sea.
The Maritime Legends and Folklore course exceeded my expectations. I not only grasped the origin and evolution of seafaring narratives but also analyzed their impact on culture and literature. The depth of the content and the methodology employed allowed me to develop my own research on the legends of my coastal region, which I successfully presented at the end of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Mermaids, tritons, kraken, sea serpents, ghosts, sea gods and sea monsters.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Maritime legends usually focus on heroic figures or historical events (often exaggerated), while maritime folklore stories are traditional and anonymous tales that convey beliefs, superstitions, and warnings about the dangers of the sea.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to sea culture: definition, scope, and relevance.
- Mythical sea creatures: origins, typologies, and cultural representations.
- Foundational myths related to the sea in different cultures.
- Sea deities: attributes, worship, and meaning in the worldview.
- Fishing and navigation rituals: propitiation, protection, and gratitude.
- Hybrid beings: mermaids, mermen, and other intermediate creatures.
- The sea as a symbol: fertility, danger, journey, and transformation.
- Festivities and celebrations: contemporary rituals in coastal communities.
- Cultural impact: art, literature, music, and Marine folklore.
- Conservation and respect: the culture of the sea as an awareness tool.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor