5 Greek legends that should shape your trip to the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is rich in mythology and many of the

areas most beautiful spots are linked to characters from
the classics. Here are five of the most famous Greek
legends.

1 Agamemnon
Agamemnon was a king of Mycenae, a powerful seat of civilisation in the second
millennium BC. Legend says the city was founded by Perseus, a son of the god Zeus.

After his sister-in-law Helen (see below) was carried off by Paris of Troy, Agamemnon
led 100 ships across the sea in what became known as the Trojan War the one with the
huge wooden horse.

Today, the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae is an important archaeological site in the
north-east Peloponnese.

Its most recognisable feature is the Lion Gate, featuring a pair of lions above the stone
entrance. Another significant building is the Treasury of Atreus, said to be the tomb of
Agamemnons father.

Many precious artefacts have been recovered from Mycenae, especially from the grave
circles.
2 Helen of Troy
Hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen was a daughter of Zeus who
married Agamemnons brother Menelaus, the king of Sparta.

Later, Sparta became a city-state known for its well-trained soldiers, the Spartans. Their
most famous battle involved just 300 of them attempting to stop a huge army of
Persians from invading Greece.

Although not that much remains of the original city, the theatre, a tomb thought to be
that of warrior-king Leonidas and a bridge foundation are still evident. Plus its a fine
place from which to gaze across to the impressive Taygetos mountains.

On the east coast, the enchanting old town of Gythion is connected by a causeway
to the islet of Cranae, where Paris first made love to Helen.

3 Nestor
According to mythology, Nestor was the king of Pylos, now an attractive town on the
west coast, whose father was killed by Heracles (Hercules). He took part in the voyage of
the Argonauts and fought in the Trojan War.

About 10 miles north of Pylos is the Palace of Nestor, cited by the epic poet Homer as
the kings court and regarded as the best-preserved Mycenean-era palace. Many
inscribed tablets have been found here.
Just outside Pylos is one of Greeces most beautiful beaches, Voidokilia. Above
the beach is a mighty rock topped by a 13th-century castle and a cave that
belonged to Nestor. It is also said to be where Hermes hid cattle he stole from
fellow god Apollo.

4 Odysseus
In Homers Odyssey, the hero Odysseus disappeared for about 10 years on his way back
from victory in the Trojan War. The point where he was blown off course was Cape
Malea, the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese which separates the Ionian and Aegean
seas.

This rugged peninsula has long been known for rough seas and is an exhilarating place
to take a hike.

Making your own journey to this area reveals other delights. Theres Kastania Cave,
crammed with one of the best collections of stalagmites and stalactites anywhere in
Europe. Further up the coast is Monemvasia, a medieval town clinging to the side of a
giant rock that looms sheer out of the sea.

On the other side of the peninsula, little Elafonisos island has an especially
alluring beach.
5 Pan
Arcadia, the region of the Peloponnese that gave its name to the poetic term Arcadian,
was the realm of Pan, the god of the wild. The goat-horned Pan looked after the
meadows, forests and mountains appropriate, as Arcadia remains a tapestry of natural
beauty.

With mountains that hold their snowy coverings into spring, deep gorges concealing
tumbling rivers, verdant forests and fields of wildflowers, this is a showcase of some of
Greeces finest scenery.

So secret are some of the valleys that a clutch of monasteries were built high up on cliff
ledges. Picturesque stone villages also dot the landscape, with the captivating medieval
town of Mystras being a particular highlight.

Explore this wonderful region and you will be pleased that it has its own god to protect
its treasures.