Mythology of Lyonesse

The land of kings, knights, dragons and fairies, so rich in unknown treasures. Sounds like the beginning of some fantastic tale, but myths surround the unknown. Such is the tale behind the myths of Lyonesse. While searching the internet, I stumbled upon these myths which could lead many a writer to delve further and create their own tales.

While many people know of the sinking of Atlantis and the mysteries and myths surrounding same, many do not know of Lyonesse, the land under the sea, which is just past Cornwall. It is said that on November 11, 1099 CE, a terrible storm of wind, rain and sea fell upon the land causing the land, kingdoms and people to be destroyed, sinking into the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this destruction only a mountain tops remained which are now called the Isles of Scilly (Source: Mythology of Lyonesse by Mary Gindling). Out of the fifty-five islands only five are alive with life and people.

There are several myths and legends surrounding this land, much like the myths of Atlantis, the most prominent are (Source: www.faqreferance.com/tag/lyonesse):

1. There is a claim that one man survived that terrible storm but not for long. He went by the name of Trevilian. He rode a white horse to higher ground before the waves finally engulfed him. There are answers that lay claim in the Cornish Trevelyan family. That name continues on today.

2. There are seven stones within the Isles of Scilly that many sailors have nicknamed "The Town". The reason for this odd name for a set of island is that whenever the nets were hauled back into the boat, they would hold doors, windows and other domestic items.

3. Many believe that the land of Lyonesse is the Isle of Avalon. When King Arthur died, his followers fled from his enemy, Mordred, to Scillies. When all of the followers were safely in the new land, Merlin, cause Lyonesse to flood to sink into the sea, thus trapping and destroying Mordred and his followers.

4. In the 1930's a journalist was residing in the area in Cornwell, was awoken in the night by the muffled ringing of bells and was told by his hosts that he had heard the bells of Lyonesse. These bells were also confirmed to be heard by sailors.

No matter what is the truth or what is myth, there will always be a mystery at Land's End, Cornwall and the missing land and people of Lyonesse.