Norwegian White Halibut has a unique history in Norwegian culture that goes back thousands of years. Acient Nordic myths and legends reflect the extraordinary status and importance the inhabitants of the Norwegian coast attributed to the white halibut throughout the ages. As early as 6000 years ago, during the Stone Age, halibut had been elevated to a high status. We find images of halibut carved into rock walls in Norway (probably to bring good fortune to fishing expeditions), together with carved images of other significant prey on land and at sea - elk, reindeer, bear and whale. Images of halibut are so numerous that we must see this as a clear indication of its status as the grandest of all fish - the only saltwater fish to be invoked and worshipped by our ancestors.
It is an indisputeable fact that really good halibut fishing luck was only attainable through women. "Happy is the man who has a women who can bring him good fishing luck the night before." This entailed that a wise fisherman should reserve the night before he went out to sea for pleasures of lovemakeing. If he didn't catch a white halibut after that, it could cast dispersions on the honour of both the man and the woman. And be warned: no one should belive that the connection between a romantic evening and good fishing luck is only a myth!
In the old days, it was well known that the halibut had a gentle, friendly personality, and fishermen could tell of experiences suggesting that the fish was very vise. Indeed, it could give goodadvice, which brought success and happiness when followed. Therfore, it is smart to heed the advice that comes from a full-grown halibut.
Like all other fish in the righteye flounder family, white halibut also have an asymmetrical mouth. An old legend explains how it got it. Once upon a time, the Virgin Mary was walking on the beach when she canced upon a white halibut in the sea. She thought this fish vas very beautyful and told it so. This pleased the halibut very much, so much, in fact, that it became arrogant and began mimicking the chaste Virgin Mary. As a punishment, the white halibut has had an asymmetrical mouth ever since.
In 1670, the Norwegian clergyman, Petter Dass, Wrote a long poem honouring this exclusive Norwegian fish and acnowledging that white halibut was the best seafood to serve on special occasions. He wrote: "You know full well it's the tasties fish, with which Our Lord can cover our dish, And hopefully grace our table. A dish that lives up to its fame all the way, Can be served an a tray to wise men and lay, Whom it will please to not end."
Text: NSEC