Etna, myths and legends of Sicily’s fiery giant
Mount Etna, the majestic volcano on Sicily’s eastern coast, is not only a symbol of natural power but also a crucible of myths and legends passed down through the centuries. Known as ‘Mongibello’ to Sicilians, the volcano has been revered, feared, and respected since ancient times. Beyond its awe-inspiring volcanic activity, Etna has been central to numerous captivating tales that have fascinated civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and local communities for millennia. Even today, its fiery mysteries continue to intrigue. Ready for an explosive journey with Sicilian Secrets?
Off to Etna! As the tallest volcano in Europe, Etna dominates the area around Catania with its towering presence. Constantly active, it frequently paints the sky red with its fiery lava and black with the smoke from its vents. Its name, derived from the Greek ‘Aἴτνη’ (Aitna), possibly comes from the word ‘αἴϑω’ (aitho), meaning ‘to burn or blaze’ in ancient Greek. Later, the Arabs called it Gebel, from which the term ‘Mongibello’ originates. To the locals, it’s simply known as ‘La Montagna’, The Mountain. The volcano is not only famous for its eruptions but also for the legends that surround it. What are these legends? Let’s explore some of the most famous myths, still echoing with magic through the stories told today.
The myth of Hephaestus and the fiery forges
One of the best-known myths associated with Etna is the story of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire and metallurgy. According to Greek mythology, Hephaestus was exiled from Mount Olympus due to his deformity and a quarrel with Zeus. He found refuge in the depths of Etna, where he set up his forge. Here, the god forged weapons for the gods of Olympus, aided by the Cyclops, one-eyed giants. The fire and smoke periodically rising from the crater were believed to be signs of Hephaestus’s laborious activities. This myth reflected the belief that Etna housed immense and unpredictable forces, capable of both creation and destruction. The ancients saw the volcano’s eruptions as a divine manifestation, fearing and respecting Etna as a sacred home to gods and mythical creatures.
Enceladus, the imprisoned giant
Another myth deeply tied to Etna is that of Enceladus, one of the rebellious Giants who fought against the Olympian gods. During the Gigantomachy, the great battle between gods and Giants, Enceladus attempted to flee after being defeated by Zeus. However, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, crushed him under part of Sicily. According to the legend, Enceladus’s body lies beneath Etna, and the eruptions and earthquakes that shake the volcano are attributed to his movements and his attempts to break free, with his fiery breath being the cause of volcanic activity. This myth has fascinated the people of Sicily for centuries, offering a mythical explanation for the volcanic phenomena. Enceladus represents a chaotic force that, despite being exiled underground, continues to be felt on the surface.
A similar story involves Typhon, a monstrous giant, son of Gaia and Tartarus. According to legend, Typhon opposed the Olympian gods with great violence but was ultimately defeated by Zeus, who imprisoned him beneath the volcano for eternity.
Etna is a woman
Is Etna a woman? According to ancient tradition, the answer is yes. The legends of Enceladus and Typhon contribute to the idea of ‘Aitna’ as a feminine figure. The fertile soil around Etna connects it to the concept of ‘motherhood’ and abundance. And there’s more. Men claim that Etna’s femininity is evident in her unpredictable ‘mood swings’, which manifest in sudden fiery eruptions!
The myth of Acis and Galatea
Etna is not just a symbol of destruction but also a place of romantic legends. One of the most touching stories tied to the volcano is that of Acis and Galatea. Galatea, a beautiful sea nymph, was in love with Acis, a young shepherd. However, their love was opposed by the Cyclops Polyphemus, who lived near Etna and was also in love with Galatea. Blinded by jealousy, Polyphemus killed Acis by hurling a massive boulder at him. Overcome with grief, Galatea asked the gods to transform Acis’s body and blood into a river so he could forever flow toward the sea and reunite with her.
This myth represents one of many tales connecting Sicilian nature to human passions, where love, jealousy, and vengeance intertwine with natural elements. The river Acis, which indeed exists and flows close to Etna, is still considered a living testimony of this ancient legend.
The legend of Empedocles
One of the most intriguing stories involving Etna concerns the historical figure of the Greek philosopher Empedocles, born in Akragas (modern-day Agrigento). Empedocles was an extraordinary man, known for his theories on the elements of the universe and his mystical view of nature. However, his death is shrouded in mystery and the shadow of the volcano. According to legend, Empedocles, believing he had reached a higher level of knowledge and existence (immortality, even!), decided to throw himself into Etna’s crater, disappearing into the flames and smoke. The legend says that only one of his sandals was found, spat out by the volcano as the sole trace of his passage. This story has fueled the image of Empedocles for centuries as a man seeking to understand the deepest secrets of nature, vanishing into the heart of one of its greatest mysteries: Mount Etna.
