Atlantis to Eden: 5 fantasy islands that really exist (sort of) - CNN.com
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http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/17/sail.mythical.islands/?hpt=Sbin
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By George Webster for CNN
February 17, 2011 -- Updated 1650 GMT (0050 HKT)
Most Popular
Today's five most popular stories
An illustration from an old book circa 1600 published in Germany showing a map of the mythical island of Atlantis.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The real islands that may have
inspired some of our favorite
myths
Treasure Island, Garden of
Eden and submerged city of
Atlantis among the islands
covered
MainSail's alternative sailing
guide for those looking for a
twist
RELATED TOPICS
Classical Antiquity
Sailing
Books and Literature
(CNN) -- An advanced city submerged under sea; an ancient garden
paradise bearing a tree of knowledge; an island of bird-women
seductresses -- the stuff of pure fiction. Or perhaps not?
Far-off, mysterious islands provide the setting for some of our
favorite myths and folklore. But more often than not, they have their
roots in real-life locations.
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From the Caribbean cove of Treasure Island to the sunken city of
Atlantis, here's a travel guide for those who fancy a sailing holiday
with an allegorical twist.
Treasure Island
The definitive swash-buckling tale of one-legged pirates, treasure
maps and talking parrots centers around a tiny island somewhere in
the Caribbean.
Starring the rum-swigging buccaneer Long John Silver, the story was
penned by 19th century Scottish author Robert Lewis Stevenson -who never set foot in the Caribbean.
2/17/2011 3:34 PM
Atlantis to Eden: 5 fantasy islands that really exist (sort of) - CNN.com
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http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/17/sail.mythical.islands/?hpt=Sbin
However, it's said that the young Stevenson was enthralled by a
mariner uncle's tale of his voyage to Norman Island -- a small reefy
spot that forms part of the British Virgin Islands, located just by a
rocky formation known fittingly as Dead Man's Chest.
Now a prime snorkeling spot, the island is a popular destination for
cruisers and tourists, who can be found knocking back rum cocktails
at the aptly-named Pirates Bight Bar and Restaurant.
Atlantis
The legendary island in the middle of the
Atlantic, first popularized by Plato, has
become synonymous with the idea of a lost
civilization.
Prior to a giant eruption thousands of years ago, the volcanic
island of Santorini is said to have had a circular shape much like Plato's account of Atlantis.
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The Greek philosopher's account of a
prosperous and cultured city disappearing
into the ocean has captured the popular
imagination and prompted many theories
about its real-life location.
While many Atlantis-hunters have directed their attentions beneath
the sea, one of the strongest contenders is only partially submerged.
According to some archaeologists, the volcanic Greek island of
Santorini, in the Aegean sea, was half sunk following an eruption
thousands of years ago.
The island is also thought to have been a home of the Minoans, a
super-advanced race who predate the ancient Greeks and are
argued to have provided the basis for Plato's description.
Today, the arid but wonderfully scenic island retains the ancient
Greek penchant for wine making and is a popular stop-off destination
for sailors seeking a tipple on their way back to the mainland.
The Garden of Eden
There are more theories about the real-life
location of the biblical garden paradise than
you could shake at with a stick from the tree
of knowledge.
Some believe the Garden of Eden existed in the Seychelles in
the Indian Ocean.
From Tabriz in Iran to Jackson County,
Missouri, Eden is alleged to have existed on
almost every continent.
In most cases, however, the sites look more
like a neglected allotment than God's botanical masterpiece. Except,
that is, for the Vallee de Mai on the island of Praslin in the
Seychelles.
A primeval rainforest whose efflorescent blooms have earned it a
place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites, the Vallee de Mai is
home to the legendary Coco de Mer tree.
Known for its erotic fruits, the female Coco de Mer produces a huge
seed shaped like a lady's belly and thighs, while the taller male
specimen has a blush-inducing phallic-shaped catkin. They may as
well have written "Adam and Eve woz 'ere."
Sirenum scopuli
Their seductive songs were rumored to lure
passing sailors into an abrupt, rocky demise.
Part woman, part bird -- and some say part
fish -- the Sirens are the femme fatales of
ancient Greek mythology.
2/17/2011 3:34 PM
Atlantis to Eden: 5 fantasy islands that really exist (sort of) - CNN.com
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An illustration circa 1850 shows an elderly fisherman on the
island of Capri, the fabled home of the deadly Sirens.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/17/sail.mythical.islands/?hpt=Sbin
The deadly seductresses were rumored to
inhabit a small craggy island known as the
"Sirenum scopuli."
According to 18th century English essayist and playwright Joseph
Addison, the rocks form part of Capri, a picture-perfect island off the
coast of southern Italy.
"The Sirenum scopuli are sharp rocks that stand about a stone's
throw from the south side of the island" he wrote.
To lend further support to this theory, situated on the island's Piccola
Marina is the Scoglio delle Sirene, or "Siren's Rock."
One of Capri's most alluring suntraps, it has become home to a
series of striking sea-edge restaurants and a range of bathing
establishments that we can only assume would satisfy the most
demanding of modern-day mermaids.
Isle of Sodor
It sounds like a secluded backwater from Lord of the Rings, but the
Isle of Sodor is in fact the setting for popular children's TV series
"Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends."
Originally created by English reverend and railway enthusiast Wilbert
Awdry as a bed-time story for his then-ill son, the tales of a cheeky
blue steam locomotive today enjoy global popularity.
The long-running TV series has been narrated by the likes of former
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan
-- not bad for an unassuming kid's show whose setting is based on
the windy and remote Isle of Man, which floats between Scotland and
Northern Ireland in the middle of the Irish Sea.
Admittedly, if you're in search of a sunny garden paradise or
picturesque beach cove, then this ancient Gaelic island is probably
not for you.
However, those with a penchant for folktales and fairies should look
no further. Having been inhabited for over 8,000 years, the Isle of
Man has a rich culture of legends.
Beware the Buggane -- a mischievous spirit who blows the roofs off
buildings, or the ghostly Moddey Dhoo -- a nocturnal black dog
associated with electrical storms.
Or forget all that and just head to the Isle of Man railway station for a
special Thomas the Tank Engine tour.
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