{"id":8703,"date":"2023-11-09T14:30:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=8703"},"modified":"2023-11-09T14:30:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T13:30:21","slug":"why-does-lake-superior-never-give-up-her-dead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/why-does-lake-superior-never-give-up-her-dead\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does Lake Superior Never Give Up Her Dead"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Location of Lake Superior<\/h2>\n

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, located between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world. The area of the lake covers over 82,000 square miles and has a volume of 2,935 cubic miles. The lake ranges from 17 feet in the north end to almost 2,000 feet in its deepest point in the western end. Sea creatures such as trout, salmon, smelt, walleye, and whitefish all inhabit this lake. <\/p>\n

The Legends of Lake Superior<\/h2>\n

Lake Superior is known for its mythical qualities, which are perpetuated by the stories of its legendary creatures. Many locals believe the lake is haunted by spirits or monsters. One of the most popular stories associated with the lake is the saying, “Lake Superior never gives up her dead.” The exact origin of this phrase is unknown, though it is believed to have first been uttered either by French voyageurs or English traders in the early 1800s. According to the lore, the unusually cold waters of the lake have the power to preserve a drowned body for hundreds or even thousands of years, so that it never reaches the surface and is never returned to shore.<\/p>\n

Discovery of Shipwrecked Vessels and Remains<\/h2>\n

Recent dives of Lake Superior’s depths have yielded evidence of sunken vessels and human remains. In fact, the wrecks discovered in Lake Superior’s depths are thought to be more than a century old. Since the late 19th century, explorers have discovered over 300 shipwrecks in this lake. Along with the ships, human remains have been recovered as well, found to be remarkably well preserved despite their years in the cold waters of Lake Superior. <\/p>\n

Preservation in Lake Superior<\/h2>\n

One of the reasons why Lake Superior’s depths are so well kept is due to the cold temperatures it maintains year-round. The frigid waters keep bacteria that would otherwise decompose and break down the bodies at bay. Studies have even documented the discovery of remains that are hundreds of years old. This is evidence of why the lake might be characterized as one that “never gives up her dead.”<\/p>\n

Why Does Lake Superior Refuse to Give Up Her Dead?<\/h2>\n