Of Monsters and Men

Here are some myths and legends associated with Filfla, the mysterious islet off Malta:

A Home for Spirits and Supernatural Beings:
Folklore claims that Filfla is inhabited by spirits or supernatural beings. Some fishermen believed that strange occurrences and bad luck at sea near the islet were caused by these entities.

The Curse of Filfla:
Local tales suggest that Filfla is cursed, and anyone who tries to claim or tamper with the islet will face misfortune. This belief was reinforced by past military use of the island for bombing practice, which caused widespread destruction.

The Sacred Island of Neptune:
Ancient myths associate Filfla with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. It was believed to be a sacred place for his worship, granting sailors protection in exchange for offerings.

A Lost Piece of Mainland Malta:
Some legends say Filfla was once part of the main island of Malta but broke away during a cataclysmic event, such as an earthquake or divine punishment.

A Fishermen’s Omen:
Many Maltese fishermen believed that Filfla brought both good and bad omens. Spotting the islet while setting sail was seen as a sign of success, but venturing too close could anger the spirits.
These myths highlight Filfla’s mysterious allure and the deep cultural connection Maltese people have to this tiny, uninhabited island.

One of the strangest facts about Filfla, it was used as a target for bombing practice by the British military until 1971, despite being a unique natural habitat. For decades, the islet was repeatedly bombed, causing significant environmental damage and scarring its fragile ecosystem.
Even more bizarrely, some remnants of this period still exist today. The surrounding seabed is littered with unexploded ordnance, making diving in the area dangerous. This surreal juxtaposition of untouched natural beauty and the remnants of human destruction highlights Filfla’s unusual history.


The fact that Filfla survived this era and has since been designated a nature reserve (in 1980) makes its recovery story even more remarkable. Its resilience as a haven for endemic species like the Maltese wall lizard and European storm-petrel is a testament to the power of nature to heal, even in the face of human recklessness.

Milva
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