The vortex occurs as right whirlpool; a big, whirling water. A word occurs as portmanteau of the Dutch words malen (to grind) and stroom (stream). A original Vortex is the Moskenstrom, the right tidal flow in the Lofoten Islands off the Norwegian coast. These are besides a title of many works of popular culture: a role playing game, see Maelstrom (role playing game) a LARP game, see Profound Decisions a musical comedy design by previous synth pop group Alphaville member Frank Mertens an early xc video game by Ambrosia Software, see Maelstrom (computer game) a Marvel Comics fictional supervillain comic figure, see Maelstrom (comics) a 1986 single by blues and rock and roll guitarist and performing artist Steve Miller a science-fiction tactical-table game, watch VOR: The Maelstrom

There exists likewise the short story by Edgar Allan Poe called "A Descent into the Maelstrom" (probably inspired by legends about a Moskenstrom), besides when short story by Arthur C. Clarke called "Maelstrom II", featured in his book "The Wind from the Sun".

At a prevent of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne has Captain Nemo and the Nautilus become lost to Poe's maelstrom.