The Canadian Island with Demons on Old Maps

Ancient Civilizations

The Canadian Island with Demons on Old Maps

In the 16th century, tales of the Isle of Demons captivated explorers and mapmakers alike. This mysterious island, believed to be home to wild beasts and demons, was first documented by French explorer André Thévet. His…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone is the hard-nosed storyteller behind Unexplained.co, a veteran investigator whose life’s work sits at the crossroads of the paranormal, fringe science, and the shadows most people try not to look into. With decades spent chasing impossible stories — black-budget psychic programs, vanished Cold War experiments, desert rituals that sparked UFO waves, and the strange phenomena buried in America’s forgotten backroads — Art brings a rare combination of skepticism, awe, and journalistic precision. He’s not here to debunk. He’s not here to blindly believe. He follows the evidence wherever it leads — even when it leads someplace deeply uncomfortable. Known for his immersive, cinematic style and his ability to turn obscure research into gripping narrative, Art has built a devoted following across podcasts, long-form features, documentaries, and serialized investigations. His interviews are direct. His analysis is unflinching. His voice has become a staple in the modern paranormal renaissance — the guy people turn to when a story is too strange, too complex, or too dangerous for anyone else to touch. Off-mic, Art works with a distributed network of researchers, archivists, and field operatives who help surface the stories mainstream media ignores. On-mic, he transforms their findings into meticulous, high-impact reporting that refuses to insult the intelligence of true believers. His philosophy is simple: Take the phenomenon seriously. Treat the audience with respect. Tell the story as if the world depends on it — because sometimes it does. When Art Grindstone digs into a case, he isn’t just chasing a mystery. He’s tracing the fault lines of reality itself.

In This Report(6)

In the 16th century, tales of the Isle of Demons captivated explorers and mapmakers alike. This mysterious island, believed to be home to wild beasts and demons, was first documented by French explorer André Thévet. His accounts, along with various maps, fueled the legend of this eerie locale.

Key Takeaways

The Isle of Demons was first noted on a 1508 map by Johannes Ruysch.
The island’s legend may have roots in indigenous tales and medieval Norse sagas.
Marguerite De La Roche’s harrowing story added to the island’s mystique.
The Isle of Demons is now identified as what we know today as Queer Pond Island.

The Mysterious Origins of the Isle of Demons

The Isle of Demons first appeared on maps in the early 1500s. The 1508 map by Johannes Ruysch is particularly significant as it marks one of the earliest representations of the Americas. Ruysch depicted two islands between present-day Labrador and Greenland, hinting at the island’s ominous reputation.

The name itself, Isle of Demons, may have evolved from earlier references, such as the Island of Satanasas by the Portuguese. This island was often illustrated in the Atlantic, just north of Antilia, a mythical land referenced in the 15th century.

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The Folktale of Marguerite De La Roche

One of the most compelling stories associated with the Isle of Demons is that of Marguerite De La Roche. In 1542, after a scandal involving a sailor, Marguerite was abandoned on the island by her uncle. Her lover and servant perished, leaving her to fend for herself.

Survival: Marguerite fought off wild animals using firearms.
Tragedy: She became pregnant, but her child did not survive.
Rescue: After years of isolation, she was rescued by Basque fishermen.

Upon her return to France, Marguerite’s story gained fame, but she chose a quiet life as a teacher.

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Cartographic Legends

The Isle of Demons was not just a figment of folklore; it appeared on maps by renowned cartographers. Giacomo Gastaldi, an Italian cartographer, illustrated the island with flying demons in a 1556 map. This depiction contributed to the island’s fearsome reputation.