Saint Brendan and the whale Another tale that decorates mapping is the voyage of Saint Brendan, one of the five immrama (sea-tales) of early Irish lore. The sixth-century abbot was said to have navigated the Atlantic, overcoming demons and creatures while discovering various islands. At one point, he and his brethren take refuge on an island when suddenly the land shifts and they realise they are standing on the back of a giant whale, which begins to dive as they hastily make their escape. Saint Brendan’s Island appeared on maps well into the 17th century