Back then they were made of naturally occurring objects - coconuts, sea shells, hollow stones or similar objects filled with moss or a similar material that was soaked with animal fat and ignited.
The groups on deck are thinning out fast, as the passengers go below to enjoy the fearsome novelty of the first night at sea, and to compose themselves to sleep as it were in the hollow of God's hand.
Perhaps now you will remember there is only one King who is all-powerful, and it is he who rules the sea, and holds the ocean in the hollow of his hand.