The Legends Behind Malta’s Mysterious Sites
Ġgantija temples
Malta’s rich folklore, woven with tales of giants, ghosts, and moral warnings, reflects the island’s deep cultural roots. These stories, passed down through generations, continue to shape Maltese identity, connecting the past with the present.
Underneath the surface of Malta’s rich culture is a world of folklore, stories passed down through the years about enigmatic creatures, mythical heroes, and ingrained superstitions. These tales provide insights into the island’s history and continuing cultural identity, while also serving as a source of entertainment and reflection on the Maltese people’s collective consciousness.
The Legend of Il-Ġgantija
The Ġgantija temples on the island of Gozo are associated with one of the most well-known tales in Malta. These megalithic ruins are thought to have been constructed by a race of giants and are older than the Egyptian pyramids. Local legend holds that the temples were built in a single night by a giantess called Sansuna, who carried her infant on her shoulder. The idea that only extremely strong beings could have built these temples has been reinforced by the size of the stones and their enigmatic function.
Although historians believe that primitive humans used simple tools to build these sites, the mythology of Sansuna endures, signifying the wonder and mystery associated with these ancient places.
Il-Belliegħa: A Sinister Well
Old wells dot the Maltese countryside and are frequently the subject of spooky tales. One such tale describes a wicked ghost that dwells in a well and tempts gullible people to meet their demise. The ghost, referred to as “Il-Belliegħa,” is supposed to imitate a child’s or a distraught person’s screams to draw onlookers. When they look down into the well, they are drawn down by an invisible force and are never seen again. Even though this narrative is frightening, it had an advantageous purpose in the past. Children were frequently warned not to play around wells since they could end up fatally injured, and this kept them from getting in harm’s way.
Il-Maqluba: The Sinkhole of Sin
Interestingly, there is a big sinkhole near the village of Qrendi called Il-Maqluba, which is immersed in legends that still hold weight today. Folklore holds that Il-Maqluba was once a prosperous village, but that God was angry with its people because of their great immorality. The enormous fissure that remains today was left behind when the ground underneath the hamlet suddenly gave way and devoured the whole community one night. The church, a sign of heavenly protection that still remains at the edge of the sinkhole, was the only structure to survive.
The spooky mood of Il-Maqluba is enhanced by its sheer walls and dense foliage, which add to the site’s air of mystery. This location, which unites mythology and nature, serves as a reminder to guests of the island’s strong ties to its moral and spiritual principles.
There are a few different variations of the legend, but all tales agree that God destroyed the hamlet because the residents disregarded his warnings, except for a religious elderly woman who never stopped praying. Other tales hypothesise that the settlement was thrown into the sea by the angels as they descended, and the island of Filfla now rests there.
The Ghost of the Blue Lady: Hauntings in Mdina
Due to its peaceful, winding alleyways, Mdina, the historic capital of Malta, is sometimes referred to as the “Silent City”. However, beyond this calm exterior are legends of paranormal activity, the most well-known of which is the Blue Lady. According to legend, the ghost represents the soul of a noblewoman who was killed by her jealous boyfriend. It is told that her restless ghost, clad in a blue gown, prowls the Verdala Palace corridors in quest of justice.
According to a different version of the tale, the Grand Master De Rohan of the Saint John’s Order told his niece that she was going to be married, and that made her unhappy. The suitor locked her in a chamber at Verdala Palace after she turned him down. She attempted to flee via a window but plummeted to her death.
Many others claim to have seen her spectral form and speak of a spooky, spine-tingling presence. One of Malta’s most well-known ghost stories, the Blue Lady’s tale lends a mysterious quality to Mdina’s mediaeval district.
Maltese folklore is a continuous tradition that continues to shape the island’s culture and identity. The myths that have been passed down through the years, whether they be about giants, cursed things, or the eerie tales of Mdina, have shaped the way Maltese people perceive the world.
These myths and superstitions provide a link to the past in our ever-growing culture, reminding us of a period when the lines between the natural and supernatural were blurred and the world was brimming with mysteries.
