How to Fold an Origami Leviathan
Caleb Witte This origami leviathan, designed by Caleb Witte, is a very satisfying model to fold if you enjoy long, flowing shapes and clean structure.
The model starts from a fish base and, through two additional folding sequences, gradually turns into a thinner fish base, with an elongated body that works particularly well for a sea serpent.
A nice detail in this updated version of the model is the small flame coming out of the mouth, a feature that wasn’t present in the earlier version. It adds a bit of character without complicating the fold. The wings are also a strong point of the design, structured and elegant, giving the model a distinctive silhouette.
This is a low-intermediate fold, well-suited for folders with a bit of experience who are looking for a model that’s engaging but still enjoyable from start to finish.
Origami Leviathan Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Low-Intermediate
- Folding time: 15 minutes
Recommended Paper
15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami
Step 1
Start with the colored side facing up. Fold and unfold along both diagonals.
Step 2
Fold and unfold all four edges to the horizontal centerline.
Step 3
Turn the paper over.
Step 4
Fold and unfold all edges to the farthest crease lines you made in Step 2.
Step 5
Fold and unfold all edges to the nearest crease lines from Step 2. Only crease from the corners to the vertical centerline.
Step 6
Rabbit-ear fold along the creases from Step 5, folding the top and bottom corners to the right.
Step 7
Flip the paper over from top to bottom.
Step 8
Rabbit-ear fold along the Step 2 creases, this time folding the top and bottom corners to the left.
Step 9
Flip the paper over again from top to bottom.
Step 10
One last time, rabbit-ear fold using the Step 4 creases, folding the top and bottom corners to the left.
Step 11
Fold the left corner to the circled point. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 12
Fold the left corner to the same circled point again.
Step 13
Mountain fold the flap using the crease from Step 11.
Step 14
Unfold the top layers to reveal the white triangle.
🐉 Folding tip: After unfolding the top layers, gently push the white triangle toward the colored part as you flatten. (See video for help.)
Step 15
Mountain fold to tuck in the small colored triangles.
Step 16
Mountain fold the model in half from top to bottom.
Step 17
Inside reverse fold the tail using the fold lines between the circled points.
🐉 Folding tip: From Steps 17 to 23, we’ll reverse fold the lower Leviathan body a few times. Don’t worry about adjusting the tip of the tail yet — wait until Step 23.
Step 18
Inside reverse fold the tail using fold lines between the circled points.
Step 19
Fold the fin to the right using a fold line that goes between the circled points. Then, unfold. Repeat on the other side.
Step 20
Fold the bottom edge of the fin to the nearest crease line. Unfold, and repeat on the other side.
Step 21
Refold along the crease from Step 19. Repeat on the other side, then rotate the model so the dotted line is horizontal.
Step 22
Inside reverse fold along a line parallel to the dotted line.
Step 23
Inside reverse fold again, this time using a fold line level with the dotted line.
Step 24
Fold and unfold the neck’s bottom edge to the nearest vertical crease. Crease well, then outside reverse fold. Note the circled point. You’ll use it in Step 25.
Step 25
Outside reverse fold the head downward, using the circled point from Step 24 as a guide.
Step 26
Pleat the fins by folding their edges inward to the centerline. But don’t fold all the way to the edge of the paper. Then, repeat on the other side.
🐉 Folding tip: Check the diagram in Step 27 to see what your folds should look like.
🐉 Note: The designer, Caleb Witte, marked Steps 26 and 27 as optional. But I say go for it! The pleated fins look awesome and really make the Leviathan stand out.
Step 27
While holding the pleats at the circled point, spread open the top layers of the fin. Repeat on the other side.
Step 28
Curl the flame and tail to finish.
The Completed Origami Leviathan
I hope you enjoyed folding this leviathan and taking the time to shape its long body and wings.
If you fold one, feel free to share a photo in the comments. Different papers and colors can completely change the mood, from calm and elegant to something more dramatic.
If you’d like to keep exploring, you might enjoy our easy origami models or browse our origami animal collection for more creatures to fold.
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Download the Complete Origami Leviathan Printable PDF Instructions
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