 Herman Melville 's novel Moby @-@ Dick is based on a true story about a sperm whale that attacked and sank the whaleship Essex . Melville associated the sperm whale with the Bible 's Leviathan . The fearsome reputation perpetuated by Melville was based on bull whales ' ability to fiercely defend themselves from attacks by early whalers , occasionally resulting in the destruction of the whaling ships . 
