Legends of Sicily

Discover the legends of Sicily with New Travel Services

The myths and legends of Sicily are woven into the very fabric of the island, blending history with fantasy. Whether you’re admiring the dramatic Faraglioni of Acitrezza, sailing through the legendary Strait of Messina, or standing atop Mount Etna, you are walking in the footsteps of ancient gods and heroes.

At New Travel Services, we offer exclusive guided tours to these legendary locations in luxury vehicles with expert drivers. Experience the Legends of Sicily in style and comfort – book your tour today and uncover the timeless magic of this enchanting island.

Polyphemus and the Faraglioni of Acitrezza

One of the most famous Legends of Sicily originates from Homer’s Odyssey. It tells the story of Polyphemus, the fearsome one-eyed Cyclops who lived in a cave on Mount Etna. When Ulysses (Odysseus) and his men sought refuge in his cave, Polyphemus trapped them and devoured some of the sailors. However, Ulysses cunningly blinded the giant and escaped. Enraged, Polyphemus hurled massive lava rocks into the sea, hoping to sink the Greek hero’s ship. These colossal boulders, now known as the Faraglioni of Acitrezza, still rise dramatically from the waters near this charming fishing village, located just a few kilometers from Catania.

Today, the Faraglioni are part of a stunning marine nature reserve. The crystal-clear waters and unique volcanic seabed make this area a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Acitrezza is also famous for its literary heritage—it was the setting for I Malavoglia, a novel by the Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga, depicting the struggles of a local fishing family. If you’re exploring the area, don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat tour and experience this legendary landscape firsthand.

Scylla and Charybdis: the perilous waters of the Strait of Messina

Another of the Legends of Sicily is the tale of Scylla and Charybdis, two terrifying sea monsters that guarded the Strait of Messina, the narrow passage between Sicily and mainland Italy. According to Greek mythology, Scylla was once a beautiful nymph loved by Glaucus. Seeking to win her heart, Glaucus asked the sorceress Circe for help. However, Circe, in a fit of jealousy, transformed Scylla into a fearsome monster with multiple heads and tentacle-like appendages. She lurked in a cave, devouring unsuspecting sailors who ventured too close.

Charybdis, on the other hand, was once a woman cursed by Zeus and turned into a monstrous whirlpool that swallowed ships three times a day. Ancient mariners, including Ulysses, feared this passage, carefully navigating between the two dangers.

In reality, the currents of the Strait of Messina can create powerful whirlpools, which in ancient times posed a real threat to small vessels. Today, the strait is crossed by large ferries and cargo ships, but it still retains its mystical allure. Traditional feluccas—long fishing boats with high masts—continue the age-old tradition of swordfish hunting, providing a spectacular sight for visitors. Watching the sun set over the Peloritani Mountains from the coastline is an unforgettable experience.

Myths of Mount Etna: the fiery heart of Sicily

Towering at 10,902 feet, Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, its fiery eruptions feeding countless myths throughout history. The volcano’s vast lava fields and dramatic craters have inspired multiple legends, making it a focal point of Sicilian folklore.

1. Typhon and the Battle of the Gods
   According to one myth, Zeus defeated the monstrous Typhon by imprisoning him beneath Mount Etna. As Typhon struggles to break free, his rage fuels the volcano’s eruptions. A variation of this story speaks of Enceladus, another giant buried beneath Sicily, whose tremors shake the island.
2. Hephaestus’ Forge
   The ancient Greeks believed that Hephaestus (Vulcan), the god of fire and blacksmithing, had his forge deep within Etna. Here, assisted by the Cyclopes, he crafted divine weapons, including Zeus’ thunderbolts.
3. The Cattle of the Sun
   Legend has it that the slopes of Etna were once home to the Cattle of Helios, the Sun God. When Ulysses’ crew slaughtered these sacred animals, the gods unleashed their wrath, dooming the sailors to a tragic fate.
4. Persephone’s Abduction
   The plains surrounding Etna are also tied to the myth of Persephone, who was gathering flowers when Hades abducted her, dragging her into the Underworld through a volcanic fissure.

Visitors today can explore Etna’s breathtaking landscapes, from lava caves to ancient forests, and even take a guided excursion to its summit, where the power of mythology and nature intertwine.

The Triskelion: Sicily’s ancient symbol

Have you ever noticed the emblem on the Sicilian flag? The Triskelion, or Trinacria, features a Gorgon’s head surrounded by three bent legs, symbolizing the island’s triangular shape. This ancient symbol has deep roots in Greek mythology, representing movement, strength, and the cycle of life.

Historically, Sicily was known as Trinacria, meaning “three-cornered land.” The Gorgon’s head was adorned with ears of wheat, a nod to the island’s agricultural richness. The flag’s yellow and red colors honor the cities of Palermo and Corleone, which led the Sicilian Vespers revolt in 1282 against foreign rule.

Today, the Triskelion remains a proud emblem of Sicilian identity, displayed in government buildings and cultural institutions across the island.