The 'Sadly I Am Only An Eel' meme features a simple, wide-eyed illustration of an eel paired with its signature line of quiet resignation. This relatable image captured the internet's heart as a shorthand for existential fatigue and the desire to escape human responsibilities. Originating in the whimsical world of webcomics and Tumblr aesthetic posts, the meme gained massive popularity for its blend of absurdity and genuine sadness. It is most commonly used to respond to stressful situations or social expectations, highlighting the humor in feeling completely unequipped for the modern world because, ultimately, one is just an eel.