Legends and Mysteries of the Enchanted Canary Islands

Legends and Mysteries of the Enchanted Canary Islands

Plutarch’s ancient tales speak of lush lands veiled in magic, nestled off the African coast where eternal spring winds whisper secrets.

The Romans heard of these islands through the words of General Sertorius, enchanted by a traveler’s tale. Centuries later, in the 1st century AD, Pliny chronicled King Yuba II’s expedition to these mystical isles.

Photo: Canary Islands. Spain.

Travelers marveled at the abundance of dogs on the shores, and thus, the name “Canary Islands” was born, derived from the Latin “Canis” for “dog.”

Throughout the ages, from Plato to Jules Verne, the islands have ignited the human imagination, inspiring countless academic studies and fantastical novels alike.

Photo: Canary Islands. Spain.

The truth of their origins may remain obscured by the passage of time, but the seven volcanic islands have always been adorned in an aura of enchantment and mystery.

Gaze upon the silhouette of Mount Teide on the horizon, and you’ll sense the wellspring of these age-old fairy tales and legends.

Photo: Mount Teide. Spain.

Long before the first Europeans’ arrival, the Canary Islands were already home to the indigenous Guanche tribe.

“Guanche” in the local language translates to “man,” originally referring to the inhabitants of Tenerife but later encompassing the entire archipelago.

Photo: Guanche people. Spain.

Believed to have migrated from North Africa around the 1st or 2nd century BC, the Guanches, often associated with the proto-Mediterranean race, left their mark on the islands’ history.

The Canarian Museum in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, now stands as a testament to the Guanche’s unique burial customs, reminiscent of the ancient Egyptians’ rituals.

Photo: Museum in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Spain.

These customs involved meticulous embalming in preparation for the journey to the afterlife.

Ancient rock inscriptions offer glimpses into these rites, but their meaning remains an enigma awaiting discovery, like the elusive Canarian Rosetta Stone.

Photo: Canarian Rosetta Stone. Spain.

The Guanche people dwelled in caves, which, in such a climate, provided natural comfort—cool during scorching summers and warm during mild winters.

Photo: Guanche people. Spain

Even today, inhabited caves dot the islands’ landscapes, a living legacy of the Guanche civilization.

Their traditions have also infused Canarian cuisine, with “gofio,” a finely ground and roasted flour, still widely used today.

Moreover, their language echoes through place names such as Tafira, Tamadaba, Timanfaya, and even in the very name of Tenerife.

Photo: Tamadaba. Spain.

European footsteps graced the Canary Islands’ shores much earlier than their conquest in the 14th century.

Arab sailors had already made landfall nearly two millennia ago, met with warm hospitality by the Guanches.

However, subsequent centuries saw a different side as Europeans, driven by conquest, arrived in the archipelago in the 14th century.

In 1402, the Norman baron Jean de Betancourt, serving the Castilian king Henry III, initiated the European conquest in earnest, claiming Lanzarote and Fuerteventura with ease.

Photo: Castilian king Henry III

Nevertheless, Gran Canaria resisted fiercely. Despite challenges, by 1495, the entire archipelago had fallen under Spanish rule, and the Guanches faced the inevitable changes that accompanied colonization.

The famous explorer Christopher Columbus was also drawn to the Canary Islands, considering them the westernmost point of the world before his epic journey to India.

Photo: Canary Islands. Spain.

The islands served as a pivotal stopover on his voyages, leaving indelible marks on their history.

As time passed, the islands saw fluctuations in their fortunes, from sugar production’s rise and fall to the prosperity of their wines, which became highly sought after by European nobility.

However, this period also witnessed conflicts, such as Admiral Horace Nelson’s attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife, immortalized in historical tales and relics.

Photo: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Over the years, the Canary Islands continued to evolve, embracing tourism in the 20th century and navigating their path through political changes.

From the impact of World War I on their banana trade to their autonomy and membership in the European Union, the islands have undergone dynamic transformations.

Tourism brought both prosperity and challenges, raising concerns about uncontrolled development and its effects on the environment.

Photo: Canary Islands. Spain.

The islands now strive to present themselves as more than just a sun-soaked playground, emphasizing eco-tourism and preserving their unique natural treasures.

As time passes, the Canary Islands remain a captivating blend of ancient legends, historical conquests, and modern transformations—a place where myths and realities intertwine, enchanting all who tread upon their magical soil.