The White Whale is a term famously associated with Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick, in which the character Captain Ahab becomes obsessed with hunting a massive, elusive white whale. This whale, known as Moby Dick, symbolizes various themes including obsession, the unknown, and the uncontrollable forces of nature.

In Moby-Dick, the white whale is described as a formidable creature, almost mythical in nature, feared by sailors for its size and power. Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick becomes a symbol of human struggle against fate, obsession with revenge, and the limits of knowledge. Ahab's relentless chase of the whale ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the dangers of fixating on an elusive goal at the expense of all else.

In modern usage, the term "white whale" has evolved to represent any unattainable goal or pursuit that consumes an individual or group. It can refer to personal obsessions, such as an unattainable career milestone, or a collective struggle, like a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The concept remains a powerful metaphor in literature, psychology, and culture, warning against the dangers of obsession and the pursuit of perfection.