Scylla
Scylla is a legendary figure from ancient mythology, often depicted as a formidable sea monster that emerged from the rocky cliffs along the Straits of Messina, at the toe of Italy in Calabria. Rising 239 feet from the sea, Scylla's image has been intertwined with maritime lore, particularly her role in threatening sailors trying to navigate the narrow waters alongside Charybdis, another mythological entity. Described as the daughter of the deities Phorcys and Cratais, Scylla is often portrayed with six heads, each lined with rows of sharp teeth, and multiple feet, dwelling in a cave from which she would seize and devour sailors, including six of Odysseus's crew.
The myth suggests that Scylla was once human, transformed into a monster due to magical jealousy from figures like Circe or Amphitrite, reflecting themes of love and vengeance. The tales surrounding Scylla have captured the imagination of many, and her likeness has been immortalized in various artistic forms, including a notable black and white mosaic from the fourth century AD found in Cyprus. Understanding Scylla provides insight into ancient narratives that explore the complexities of transformation, fear, and the challenges faced by those at sea.
Scylla
Skylla (Scilla)
At the toe of Italy, in Bruttii (now Calabria), at the northern end of the Sicilian Strait (Straits of Messina). The rock of Scylla, towering up two hundred and thirty-nine feet sheer from the sea, was identified with the sea monster of the same name, which, together with Charybdis beside the opposite shore, terrorized mariners who were attempting to pass through the narrows. Scylla, the daughter of Phorcys and Cratais, was said to have had six heads, each with a triple row of teeth, and a dozen feet; and Virgil recorded a tale that she had a girdle of dog's heads around her loins. From her lair within a cave she devoured whatever came within her reach, and seized six of Odysseus' companions. There were stories that she had once been of human shape, but was changed by magic into a monster: this transformation was attributed to Circe (or Amphitrite), jealous of the sea god Glaucus (or of Poseidon), who had been in love with Scylla. A very fine black and white mosaic depicting her (fourth century AD) has recently been found at Paphos in Cyprus.