The most interesting European myths and legends
The Loch Ness Monster – Scotland
Living in the deep depths of Loch Ness is a creature known by many as the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie for short. Situated near Inverness in Scotland, this lake boasts the highest water content and is among the deepest in the nation. In actuality, the peat residue that flows from the hilltops into the lock gives the waters here an intriguing color that is almost tar-like.
It is thought that a creature hides there, at its depths. Many claim to have seen the Loch Ness Monster, which is frequently described as resembling a dragon or lizard. Even a picture that seemed to depict a massive creature in the middle of the lake was taken in 1933—the first of several that would be taken throughout the years. Since then, well than a thousand people have reported seeing this enigmatic animal; yet, despite a thorough radar examination, conclusive proof is still proving difficult to come across.
It is a necessity to visit Loch Ness and take a boat ride across the water if you are traveling to Scotland with your family.
Robin Hood – England
A well-known story of good triumphing over evil is Robin Hood, where love ultimately wins. He was an English folk hero, a brave outlaw.
Legend has it that Robin Hood was a talented swordsman and archer who, with his group of "merry men," battled against the oppression of dishonest authorities, such as the notorious Sherriff of Nottingham, and pilfered wealth and other valuables from the wealthy to distribute to the underprivileged. To the best of history, Robin Hood's existence is merely a legend. Nevertheless, there are 13th-century allusions to people with names and descriptions comparable to this one.
The mythology centers on Nottingham, with fights and robberies occurring at Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. Many of Nottingham's prominent sites provide visitors the chance to familiarize themselves with the story of Robin Hood. In honor of the icon and his merry men, Sherwood Forest hosts a week-long festival devoted to the narrative.
Phantom of the Opera Garnier in Paris – France
A mystery surrounding the renowned Opera Garnier in Paris is the legend of the Phantom of the Opera. A musician and a ballerina's love story opened the story. Regretfully, they met in the music conservatorium, which tragically caught fire in 1873. Many others, including his fiancée, passed away.
The pianist lived, but his face suffered severe injuries. Then he was regarded as a monster by all Parisians. Consequently, he made the decision to spend the rest of his days in hiding in the Garnier Opera House's basement. People began talking about the Phantom of the Opera haunting the basement because of a number of odd and unexplainable events occurring in the building.
Inspired by this mythology, Gaston Leroux wrote the internationally acclaimed novel The Phantom of the Opera in 1910. It is one of the most fascinating myths and stories in Europe, and a source for several plays and movies.
Constructed at the close of the 1800s, the Palais Garnier is a magnificent opera house. It is a masterwork of architecture that blends Renaissance, Classicism, and Baroque styles. It is among Paris's greatest spots for pictures! You are welcome to go there and see operas and ballets.
Athens and its name – Greece
The story of how Athens got its name is among the most well-known myths and tales in Europe. In ancient Greece, Athens ranked as the most powerful city. A few deities from Mount Olympus expressed interest in endorsing the community. Poseidon, the sea deity, and Athena, the goddess of courage and wisdom, were the two leading candidates.
Zeus ruled that once each of them presented a gift to the Athenians, they would determine which was the best and who should serve as their patron. To find out what presents the two gods would be giving them, everyone assembled atop the Acropolis. With his trident, Poseidon hit a rock as he marched toward the center clearing. Everyone was intrigued by the prospect of having a good water supply as water flowed forth. However, many who drank the water were let down when they discovered that it tasted like seawater.
With a small seed in her hand, Athena moved onward. She carefully sowed the seed, and it soon produced a gorgeous olive tree. Everyone proclaimed Athena the victor because the olive tree would provide them with shade, food, oil, and firewood. Athena was declared the patroness of the city and given the honor of being named after her. One of the most fascinating myths and stories in Europe revolves around the sacred olive tree, which is still growing atop the Acropolis.
Romulus and Remus – Italy
The most well-known tale about Rome, that of Romulus and Remus, is related to the city's true founding on April 21, 753 BC. And with that, the Kingdom of Rome, which went on to grow into the era's most powerful empire.
According to legend, Alba Longa, the former headquarters of the Latin League, lies southeast of Rome and is where Romulus and Remus were born. Numitur, the king of Alba Longa, was their grandpa and was overthrown by their uncle Amulius. Seeing them as a challenge to his authority, he gave the order to have them slain. Consequently, the twins were left behind on the banks of the Tiber River. However, Tiberinus, the God of the River, came to their aid and entrusted them to a she-wolf who would take care of them in her cave abode, the Lupercal, which is situated at the foot of the Palatine Hill.
After then, they were adopted by Faustulus, a shepherd who raised them caring for his animals and was unaware of their royal ancestry.
As they grew older, Romulus and Remus got embroiled in a dispute between Amulius and Numitur, their grandpa and the former monarch of Alba Longa. It was when Remus was taken prisoner that his true identity was revealed. After Romulus released them from jail, the brothers and Numitur formed an alliance against Amulius and began the process of founding their own city. They could not agree on which hill it should be founded on, though. After the argument, Romulus became the first king of Rome and Remus was murdered.
Devil’s Bridge in Tuscany – Italy
Built in the fourteenth century, the Ponte della Maddalena, also called Devil's Bridge, is a stone arch bridge located in Tuscany. It is situated close to Lucca, and its building is associated with one of the most fascinating legends in Europe.
It claims that the construction project was challenging and could not be finished by the scheduled time. The builder saw the devil one day, and they agreed that the bridge would be completed overnight. However, the first person to cross the stone bridge would be sacrificed in return. The massive bridge arch was ready the next day, almost immediately after it was completed.
However, the builder now felt horrible and notified the priest about his action. He was advised to maintain the agreement with the devil and drive a pig over the bridge first by the priest. The devil became so enraged at this ploy that he threw himself off the bridge and never allowed himself to be seen in this area again when a pig crossed the bridge first thing in the morning.