In the salty waters of the ocean in Minecraft, as well as in the rivers that flow into it, there exists a charming creature known as the squid. Typically, it hovers in one spot, seemingly suspended in the water while occasionally flapping its eight tentacles. Its life is calm and serene, yet remains shrouded in mystery for us.
What could they be pondering as they navigate the vast ocean? Have they ever considered what it’s like to live with four limbs? Or thought about the emotions experienced by various beings under the influence of gravity? Perhaps they contemplate the cruelty and aggression of terrestrial creatures? Unfortunately, we may never know.
No matter their thoughts, squids are indeed special, as they have been entrusted with guarding the darkest power of Minecraft Pocket Edition. This entity can turn any object black with just a touch. While not rare and relatively easy to find, it possesses great strength! It so happens that this week’s focus is on them. Today, we will delve into the ink sac!
Ink sacs were introduced to Minecraft Bedrock in early 2011, alongside the squid and fifteen other dye colors. Upon death, a squid drops between one and three ink sacs. However, there are alternative methods to obtain them. For instance, you can go fishing and try to catch a few, search through fortress chests, or even craft them yourself using basic materials.
Ink sacs serve as dyes. You can use them to change the color of various items such as beds, carpets, concrete, fireworks, boxes, stained glass, banners, wool, sheep, and terracotta. Additionally, ink sacs can be utilized to create dark prismarine, books, feathers, as well as gray and light gray dyes.
After reading about the capabilities of this remarkable item, forget everything you’ve learned because in version Minecraft 1.14, the functionality of the ink sac will undergo changes. The developers plan to revamp the dye system, meaning you will no longer be able to dye items using ink sacs. New colors will emerge, including black, which will be derived from squid ink.
The image depicts a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci created using squid ink.
Now, pay attention! Forget everything you’ve read earlier, as in reality, squid ink is not black but rather dark brown. Historically, people adapted squid ink sacs for writing purposes, giving it the name “sepia.” They were particularly popular among the Greeks and Romans. Most of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings were crafted using this ink. However, with the advent of modern chemical inks, the traditional method of obtaining ink gradually faded away and has now become obsolete.
Ink sacs are found in most species of squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. They consist of muscles located just below the squid’s intestines. The ink itself is made from a natural pigment called melanin, which is the same pigment responsible for darker skin tones and hair colors in humans and other animals.
Squid ink serves as a defensive mechanism. To discreetly evade an approaching predator, a squid ejects a quantity of ink, creating a smoke screen. Remarkably, to confuse attackers, it releases ink roughly the size of its body, generating multiple copies of its silhouette. The predator becomes disoriented, allowing the squid to escape to safety. You might have noticed that squids in Minecraft Bedrock also employ similar tactics.
Today, squid ink is primarily used in culinary applications. It adds both color and flavor to dishes, mainly rice and pasta. I haven’t tried it myself, but online sources claim it tastes like the ocean—not like the seawater you accidentally swallowed while swimming, but rather a pleasant, exotic flavor. Hmm, sounds intriguing to taste!
