Things come and go on the internet, but one phenomenon that has captivated social media users is about an anglerfish who saw the sun, something that they normally would never see in their lives. The story is that on a sunny day around Tenerife, an island of Spain, a couple divers saw an anglerfish that was way too close to the surface, as they’re usually found miles on miles deeper into the ocean. Once video footage got out, it took the internet by storm with many people commenting on how poetic it is. There brings the question; why is it so poetic anyway?

Let’s start with what an anglerfish is. A quick Google search will tell you that an anglerfish is a deep sea creature that lures its prey in with a bulb that emits light. The symbolism associated with it, though, is a little less vicious than the creature itself. Anglerfish are symbolic of finding your way through dark times or making your own light. It’s a very nice notion, but then coupled with the anglerfish that made its way to see the sun, it takes on a new meaning. Now, instead of the former symbolism, it takes on the idea of searching for the light, even if it is the last thing you do.

Imagine, for a moment, that you are the anglerfish. All that surrounds you is dark water, the occasional fish, and your own light. Would you be curious about what was above you? Would you want to see the light more clearly if you thought it was real? That’s what some on the internet think; however, this isn’t the case. In reality, the anglerfish was likely just a mutation. It died shortly after surfacing because its body couldn’t handle the lack of pressure. In a way, this is also symbolic, and the message you can take away from it still stands. Be like an anglerfish. Create your own light or search for something bigger, it’s all up to how you view it.