> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://champlify-labs-llc.gitbook.io/ssow/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://champlify-labs-llc.gitbook.io/ssow/whale-shadows/what-are-shadows.md).

# What Are Shadows?

<figure><img src="/files/6wlazPhkbRdJyszkc5MN" alt="Whales with Shadows"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Whale Shadows are special, soul-bound NFTs that represent your Secret Society of Whales (SSoW) 'OG' whale on other blockchains. Each Shadow is directly linked to an original (OG) Whale NFT on Ethereum, and will always "follow" wherever that OG Whale goes—meaning, if you move your OG Whale to a new wallet, the corresponding Shadow will update to follow the new owner.

> **Note:** Shadows currently need to be manually synced to reflect changes in OG Whale ownership. For instructions, see [How to Obtain Shadows](/ssow/whale-shadows/how-to-obtain.md).

Shadows cannot be sold or transferred directly by their holders. The only way a Shadow can change hands is if the OG Whale on Ethereum is transferred to a new wallet, or in special cases where the OG Whale is locked up as part of a [bridging process](https://github.com/champlification/ssow-docs/blob/main/docs/whale-shadows/bridging.md). This ensures that Shadows always reflect the true ownership of the original NFT, maintaining authenticity and security across chains.

Whale Shadows are based on the original Shadows concept created by [0xQuit](https://x.com/0xQuit) and Yuga Labs, bringing decentralized, cross-chain NFT representation to the SSoW community.

> Whale Shadows are built on the same foundational technology and principles as the original Shadows, with full credit to 0xQuit and Yuga for their innovation and vision.