" The Old Man of the Sea " is a title shared by several significant literary and mythological figures. The most famous is a character from the tales of , though the phrase is also often confused with Ernest Hemingway's novel The Old Man and the Sea . 1. Sinbad the Sailor (Arabian Nights)
: Once Sinbad lifts him, the "Old Man" locks his powerful, snake-like legs around Sinbad's neck and refuses to let go. The Old Man of the Sea
: Known as a trustworthy, honest god and the father of the Nereids. " The Old Man of the Sea "
: A herdsman of sea monsters who served Poseidon. He could foretell the future but would change shapes (into fire, lions, or serpents) to avoid answering questions unless captured and held tightly. Sinbad the Sailor (Arabian Nights) : Once Sinbad
: Sinbad eventually rids himself of the burden by making the Old Man drunk on fermented grapes, causing him to loosen his grip.