Cyprus Myths and LegendsWith so much rich history, there are of course plenty of Cyprus myths and legends! Most of them have more than one version, and you will often hear variations on the stories depending on who is telling them. Mythical stories are passed down through generations and Cypriots love to tell travellers all the ancient tales of the island, so be sure to listen out for them when you visit Cyprus!
Pentytaklos – the five fingered mountainCypriots are very fond of their ‘five fingered mountain’ in Kyrenia but reasons for its strange appearance varies greatly.The most popular theory (and the one that my grandmother has always insisted upon!) is the romantic but tragic tale of a lowly villager who fell in love with the queen, and gathered enough courage to ask for her hand in marriage.
The angry villager threw the water to the ground, then picked up the resulting mud and flung it at the queen’s head. She avoided his onslaught, but the mud hit the edge of the mountain creating its unusual shape. The five fingered mountain still stands proudly today, a permanent reminder of the villager’s fury! Gods and GoddessesMany well-known Ancient Greek myths are believed to have taken place in Cyprus. The most famous of course surround Aphrodite Greek Goddess of Love. Not only does legend state that the Goddess was born off the shores of Paphos, but the island is also the place where her lover Adonis was born.Several other Gods and Goddesses are also believed to have lived on the highest peak of the Troodos mountains, from Zeus and Hera, to Apollo, Athena, Artemis and Poseidon. St Hilarion CastleThe most famous legend surrounding the fairytale castle of St Hilarion in North Cyprus tells of a secret 101st room which no one has ever found! It is believed that this legendary room holds vast treasures and a magical garden!Return to Cyprus History from Cyprus Myths and Legends
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