Further research has revealed that Gris did in fact have an archetypal hero of his own species to model himself after -- a grisled veteran sperm whale who dominated the seas around the Pacific island of Mocha, and whose repute was so widespread that harpooners would freeze up when they faced him; he was renowned for attacking whaleboats, although never their mother-ships. His name was Mocha Dick, and it is upon his general form that Moby Dick was modeled in part, the other half being provided by our friend Gris.

The whole story of Mocha Dick, vividly told in the language of the whalers of 1810, can be found on this page . Enjoy, you addle-pated lizard-stickers! There she breaches, broad to leeward, with a spout as large as the yards!

Regards,

Amos