The Sea Monsters of Messina
Messina is a legendary port city in northeastern Sicily, which according to legend was founded by the angry sea god Neptune, who separated Sicily from Italy with a thunderous blow of his trident. But the god Saturn fell in love with the beautiful island and founded the city of Zankle, later known as Messina. Messina is located directly on the 3 to 8 meter long strait that connects the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea and separates the island of Sicily from the mainland of Calabria, earning it the name “Gateway to Sicily.” Crossing the Strait of Messina was extremely dangerous even in ancient times. According to Greek mythology, the Calabrian side was guarded by the sea monster Scylla. She was once a beautiful nymph who was transformed by the jealous sorceress Circe into a hideous sea monster with the upper body of a young woman and the lower body of six barking dog heads and twelve feet. This monster particularly enjoyed eating sailors who had to pass by in their ships. Even the legendary Odysseus and his companions had to pass through the strait on their way home. But he was lucky, and the monster only ate six of his companions. He and his remaining companions were also spared by Charybdis, the whirlpool goddess who guarded the opposite side of the strait and pulled every ship into the depths of the sea. This Greek mythology explained the raging currents of the strait, which are caused by the changing tides and the earthquakes and seaquakes of this volcanic region. Another phenomenon of irregular currents and changing winds, which can be admired between the coasts of Calabria and Messina on a windless and hot day, is the Fata Morgana. A mirage creates an optical illusion that seems to approach the shore. Buildings appear in the sea or are reflected in the air. This creates fantastic images that make Messina look like a city straight out of a fairy tale.
Post Comment