With its long horn, in reality a modified tooth that can grow almost ten feet long, the narwhal is one of the most recognizable whales in the world. Ancient Vikings, with whom the term 'narwhal' originated, used to trade the horns to Europeans as Unicorn horns. The twenty-two pound teeth are still considered rare and valuable treasures, with some ancient superstitions still attached. Killing a Narwhal for its tusk is considered unlucky, while finding one washed ashore is considered a sign of great fortune.

Narwhals are much more elusive than their near cousin, the beluga whale, and as such, little is known about their habits.