Did Morgan Robertson Predict the Titanic Disaster in 1898 with the Titan Tale
May 2
3 min read
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The tragedy of the Titanic has captured attention for over a century, not just due to the immense loss of life, but also because of the sheer scale of the disaster. Imagine discovering that a novella published 14 years before the Titanic's sinking eerily reflected the events that would transpire. In 1898, Morgan Robertson released Futility, or the Wreck of the Titan, which tells the story of a massive, supposedly unsinkable ship called the Titan. The unsettling similarities between Robertson's story and the Titanic's demise in 1912 invite intriguing questions about chance, foresight, or perhaps a premonition.
As we examine these connections, we will delve into how these two calamities intersect and the notable symbolism behind the name "Titan," historically linked to mighty figures in mythology.
The Sinking of the Titanic: A Brief Overview
On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic, a marvel of modern engineering and luxury, sank after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean. Of the approximately 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 lives were lost, leading to a devastating survival rate of just 33%. This disaster highlighted severe flaws in maritime safety practices, emergency procedures, and deep class divisions, igniting public outcry and eventual changes to maritime regulations.
The Titanic was infamously described as "unsinkable," a term that would forever haunt its legacy. The tragedy resonated across the globe, reminding everyone that despite wealth, status, or technology, anyone can experience loss when nature turns hostile.
Morgan Robertson’s Futility: The Foreboding Titan Tale
In Futility, the Titan mirrors the Titanic in size, luxury, and misplaced confidence in its safety. It is portrayed as possessing "unlimited power," believed to be unsinkable. Yet, similarly to the Titanic, it meets its tragic end after hitting an iceberg in an uncharted ocean area.
The protagonist, named John Jacob Astor, is clearly inspired by the famous Titanic passenger John Jacob Astor IV. His struggle for survival as the Titan sinks during its maiden voyage vividly echoes the grim reality faced by many passengers aboard the Titanic. Robertson's story highlights class divides, revealing the harsh truths that affluent and poor passengers alike confronted as chaos unfolded.
It's remarkable that Robertson crafted this narrative based solely on the advancements of his time and a fascination with maritime travel. He captured the essence of a significant tragedy long before it happened, strikingly echoing real-life events in ways that are hard to ignore.
Striking Similarities Between the Two Events
The parallels between Futility and the Titanic disaster are not just coincidental; they raise serious questions about fate and coincidence. Here are some of the most striking similarities:
Ship's Name and Attributes: Both vessels were touted as "unsinkable." In Robertson's story, the Titan is the pinnacle of modern design. In reality, the Titanic was crafted with the same hubristic belief, leading to overconfidence in its safety.
Voyage Context: The voyages of both ships generated excitement and anticipation. Passengers aboard the Titan and Titanic were eager for a luxurious journey, blissfully unaware of the impending doom.
Collision with Icebergs: The catastrophic iceberg collisions serve as the central theme. Robertson captures the panic as the Titan sinks, much like the chaotic scenes during the Titanic's final moments. Both sink in the month April.
Survival Statistics: Survival rates are about the same; on the Titan, 3,000 people lost their lives, while on the Titanic, it was around 2,200.
Names and Symbolism: The name "Titan" carries rich mythological weight. It suggests strength but also hints at chaos, linking back to the Titans of Greek mythology. Both the Titan and Titanic ultimately remind us of the fine line between human hubris and vulnerability.
Size: Both ships have similar length, tonnage capacity, lifeboats, propellers, and speed at impact.
The Significance of the Name "Titan"
What's in a name? Titan was known by people of antiquity to be Satan. Early Greek writers, like Homer and Hesiod, attribute Titan to Satan and his angels. According to the book "Giants, Fallen Angels and tyhe Return of the Nephilim,"
"...we find that, in the Chaldean tradition, Titan is a derivative of the Chaldean word Shitan, which comes from the Hebrew word Satan, the evil Serpent or Dragon, who was regarded as the author of all wickedness."
To read more about Titans, fallen angels and the giants I recommend this book:
“Giants, Fallen Angels, and the Return of the Nephilim: Ancient Secrets to Prepare for the Coming Days: Lindsay, Dennis: 9780768444179: Amazon.com: Books.” Amazon.com, 2025, www.amazon.com/dp/0768444179?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title. Accessed 2 May 2025.
