Pentadaktylos Mountain is a mountain mass which is part of the Kyrenia Mountains and which runs 160 km along the North coast. It got its name because the mountain resembles five fingers which is the meaning of the word Pentadaktylos.
During July 1995, a devastating fire burned a large area of the mountain, and as a result of this significant forest land and natural habitat were lost. Near Pentadaktylos Mountain, there are many historical castles and monasteries including the St Hilarion Castle. There are many legends about the Pentadactylos mountains. One tells the story of a conceited villager who fell in love with the local queen and asked for her hand in marriage. The queen wished to be rid of the impertinent young man and requested that he bring her some water from the spring of Apostolos Andreas monastery in the Karpas, a perilous journey in those days. The man set off and after several weeks returned with a skin full of that precious water. The queen was most dismayed to see that he had succeeded, but still refused to marry him. In a fit of rage, he poured the water on to the earth, seized a handful of the resulting mud and threw it at the queens head. She ducked and the lump of mud sailed far across the plain to land on top of the Kyrenia mountain range, where it is to this day, still showing the impression of the thwarted villager’s five fingers.
During July 1995, a devastating fire burned a large area of the mountain, and as a result of this significant forest land and natural habitat were lost. Near Pentadaktylos Mountain, there are many historical castles and monasteries including the St Hilarion Castle. There are many legends about the Pentadactylos mountains. One tells the story of a conceited villager who fell in love with the local queen and asked for her hand in marriage. The queen wished to be rid of the impertinent young man and requested that he bring her some water from the spring of Apostolos Andreas monastery in the Karpas, a perilous journey in those days. The man set off and after several weeks returned with a skin full of that precious water. The queen was most dismayed to see that he had succeeded, but still refused to marry him. In a fit of rage, he poured the water on to the earth, seized a handful of the resulting mud and threw it at the queens head. She ducked and the lump of mud sailed far across the plain to land on top of the Kyrenia mountain range, where it is to this day, still showing the impression of the thwarted villager’s five fingers.
Aphrodite Beach in Cyprus is known for beinf the birthplace of the great Aphrodite herself! It is said that if one should swim around the prominent rock three times, naked and under a full moon they will find true love or become pregnant. Although, it is debatable whether this myth is true, the Rock and its setting provide a romantic location for lovers of all ages. This beach also isn't your typical beach, it is a pebble beach so watch your step!
The Troodos Mountains (Or Mt. Olympus) run east to west and occupy 1,351 square miles on the southern half of Cyprus, and peak at 6,560 feet. The ancient Greek mystical world was ruled by a small group of gods called the Olympians. When things had to be decided, the council of 12 gods met on Mount Olympus to discuss things. All the Olympians kept a home on Mount Olympus. Unless they were off traveling somewhere, that's where you could find most of them. Hades preferred his home in the Underworld. Poseidon preferred his palace under the sea. But the rest of the Olympians lived on Mount Olympus. Hestia was the goddess of hearth and home. She used to be one of the Olympians, but she grew tired of all their fighting and bickering. She gave her seat to Dionysus, the god of wine. Actually, once Dionysus settled down and got married, he was a very good choice. Aphrodite was on the council. Her husband, Hephaestus, who built all the gods' homes on Mount Olympus, was not on the council, not according to most Greek myths. However, if you visit the famous temple, the Parthenon, in Greece, you'll find a statue of each of the 12 Olympians. Hades, king of the Underworld, is not represented with a statue, but Hephaestus is.
Here are the twelve Olympians: Zeus Hera Poseidon Demeter Athena Ares Apollo Artemis Hermes Aphrodite Hades Hestia |