The article explores the symbolism of the whale’s belly in mythology as a space for death and rebirth, contrasting it with the reality of whale biology. While it’s nearly impossible to be swallowed by a whale, one species, the sperm whale, has the capability to consume a human, though such incidents are extremely rare. Blue whales and other baleen whales, despite their size, cannot swallow humans due to their small throats and lack of teeth; they feed on tiny krill using bristles.
Sperm whales primarily eat giant squid and could theoretically swallow a person, but the chances of encountering one are slim. Historical accounts, like that of James Bartley—a whaler allegedly swallowed and then rescued—are deemed false, as survival inside a whale’s stomach is implausible due to lack of oxygen.
Recent near-miss incidents illustrate the confusion between humans and whale feeding habits. For example, in 2021 and again in 2025, divers and kayakers were momentarily caught in the mouths of humpback whales but were promptly spat out. These occurrences highlight the consequences of human encroachment into whale habitats, increasing risks for both species.
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