Page "Columba" Paragraph 22

The vita of Columba contains a story that has been interpreted as the first reference to the Loch Ness Monster.

According to Adomnán, Columba came across a group of Picts burying a man who had been killed by the monster.

Columba then saves a swimmer from the monster with the sign of the Cross and the imprecation, " Thou shalt go no further, nor touch the man ; go back with all speed.

" The beast flees, terrified, to the amazement of the assembled Picts who glorified Columba's God.

Whether or not this incident is true, Adomnan's text specifically states that the monster was swimming in the River Ness-the river flowing from the loch-rather than in Loch Ness itself.