Someone recently asked me the story behind the tattoo on the back of my neck, The Trinacria. So here is the myth behind my ink...
The Trinacria Myth
As told by Rosa Rizza, Siracusa 1996
The ancient Greeks traveled and found a land that was rich in oranges, lemons, beautifully scented flowers and lush vegetation. They were angry to think that the Gods had slighted them and had not given this land to them. They grumbled about it to the Gods.
The Gods not wanting to hear their moaning and complaining went up to Olympus.
Olympus had three nymphs who were very mischievous and always getting into and causing trouble. These nymphs would eavesdrop on the Gods to get the latest scoop. The Gods knew this and usually would be very careful about where they held conversations. This particular day the Gods were so weary of the mortals they forgot about the Nymphs and were discussing the latest mortal complaint.
The Nymphs were delighted with the tales of this beautiful and bountiful land and decided to go there. Without asking permission to leave Olympus off they flew. When they found this wonderful land, the first Nymph marveled at the rich black soil and scooped up a handful and put it in her pocket. The second Nymph exclaimed "you don't need to taste the fruits to taste them, they are so wondrous" and she put the fruit in her pocket. The third Nymph was enthralled with the scents of the land and she put the flora in her pocket.
They decided that they had better get back as they were going to be in trouble with the Gods for leaving without permission. As they started out one of them said to follow her as she had a short cut. On the way they flew over the Mediterranean Sea, it was so beguiling they decided to take a swim. While swimming all the soil, fruits and flora emptied from their pockets.
Meanwhile back on Olympus, the Gods were aware of all the Nymphs had done and were very angry. The Gods decided to punish the Nymphs by creating an Island and forever the Nymphs would each be bound to hold up a corner of the Island with their leg. Up out of the sea an island arose and Sicily was created with black rich soil, bountiful fruits and lush vegetation.
Athena took pity on the Nymphs and sent Medusa to protect them. The TRINACRIA, with the Nymphs three legs, the face and snake hair of Medusa and the wings of Athena, became the symbol of Sicily.
The Trinacria Myth
As told by Rosa Rizza, Siracusa 1996
The ancient Greeks traveled and found a land that was rich in oranges, lemons, beautifully scented flowers and lush vegetation. They were angry to think that the Gods had slighted them and had not given this land to them. They grumbled about it to the Gods.
The Gods not wanting to hear their moaning and complaining went up to Olympus.
Olympus had three nymphs who were very mischievous and always getting into and causing trouble. These nymphs would eavesdrop on the Gods to get the latest scoop. The Gods knew this and usually would be very careful about where they held conversations. This particular day the Gods were so weary of the mortals they forgot about the Nymphs and were discussing the latest mortal complaint.
The Nymphs were delighted with the tales of this beautiful and bountiful land and decided to go there. Without asking permission to leave Olympus off they flew. When they found this wonderful land, the first Nymph marveled at the rich black soil and scooped up a handful and put it in her pocket. The second Nymph exclaimed "you don't need to taste the fruits to taste them, they are so wondrous" and she put the fruit in her pocket. The third Nymph was enthralled with the scents of the land and she put the flora in her pocket.
They decided that they had better get back as they were going to be in trouble with the Gods for leaving without permission. As they started out one of them said to follow her as she had a short cut. On the way they flew over the Mediterranean Sea, it was so beguiling they decided to take a swim. While swimming all the soil, fruits and flora emptied from their pockets.
Meanwhile back on Olympus, the Gods were aware of all the Nymphs had done and were very angry. The Gods decided to punish the Nymphs by creating an Island and forever the Nymphs would each be bound to hold up a corner of the Island with their leg. Up out of the sea an island arose and Sicily was created with black rich soil, bountiful fruits and lush vegetation.
Athena took pity on the Nymphs and sent Medusa to protect them. The TRINACRIA, with the Nymphs three legs, the face and snake hair of Medusa and the wings of Athena, became the symbol of Sicily.
you know i love the tattoo, but i have to say that it is even more awesome now i know the story behind it.
thanks for sharing it with us.
take care.