Malta’s long history of folk, sighting & myths of sea monsters
Yes, I know the title of this article won’t sell many packaged tours on a brochure, but Malta has, as do most countries surrounded by sea, myths and legends pertaining to frightening creatures lurking in the depths of its clear blue waters.
Is-silfjun
Since the 16th century, folk tales have spoken of the ‘silfjun’, which was described as a ‘whale sized shark’ and dwelt around the island of Filfla off Malta’s south eastern coast, along with other giant sea monsters. In the past, the Maltese would often refer to the Great White shark as ‘silfjun’ and evidence backs up the myths of monster sized sharks around Malta. Numerous fossilised teeth of the prehistoric monstrous shark, the Megalodon, have been found embedded in the limestone rock. This shark is believed to be the mighty ancestor of the modern Great White which, though rare, can be seen in Maltese waters.
