The Sharks' Role

The sharks, from the noble Mako to the scavenging galanos, act as agents of destruction and symbols of the sea's harshness.

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The Mako Shark

The Mako Shark A Beautiful Killer The Mako shark is built for speed, with a blue back, silver belly, and rows of razor teeth. It is fearless and noble in its own way. Santiago calls it Dentuso and respects it. The Death of the Mako Santiago kills it with the harpoon, but it takes the harpoon and rope down with it. The Mako's fate is to die, but it is a worthy opponent. It is not a scavenger; it is a hunter. This shark sets the pattern for the attacks to come.

The Galanos

The Galanos Scavengers and Killers The galanos are shovel-nosed sharks, ugly and smelly. They are scavengers that will eat anything. They attack the marlin's carcass with mindless hunger. Santiago despises them. Their Destruction Santiago kills two, but more come. They are persistent. They are not intelligent, but they are many. They represent the inevitable decay and loss that follow triumph. Their fate is to consume and be consumed, part of the sea's cycle.

The Night Pack

The Night Pack The Final Assault A pack of sharks attacks in the dark. Santiago is defenseless. They tear the marlin apart, leaving only the skeleton. They are the final agents of destruction. Their Victory The sharks win. They take all the meat. But Santiago's resistance is memorable. He fights until he has nothing left. The sharks' fate is to be part of the story that makes Santiago a hero. They are not evil; they are just hungry. They are the sea's way of reclaiming the dead.

first shark attack

second set of attacks

midnight attack