This section contains popular myths and legends that involve supernatural events or beliefs. The subcontents menu at the right offers a list of topics.

The legend of The Flying Dutchman originated in 1641 when a Dutch ship sank off the coast of the Cape of Good Hope. The ship was run by Captain van der Decken, who was on his way home to Holland after a trip to the Far East.

However, when the ship neared southern Africa (the Cape of Good Hope), it was caught in a terrible storm, and during the several attempts to free the ship, it hit a group of rocks and began to sink. As the ship sank, the Captain's last words were "I will round this Cape even if I have to keep sailing until doomsday!"

So, as the legend goes, whoever nears the Cape of Good Hope during a storm and looks carefully into it will be able to see the ship (termed the Flying Dutchman), but beware, because those who do see tend to die a terrible death (among those who claimed to see the Flying Dutchman were the crew of a German submarine boat during World War II).

Avalon is the mythic island that is most often associated with the Arthurian legends. According to those legends, Avalon was an island ruled by the magical Lady of the Lake (sometimes called Viviane, Niniane, or Nimue) to which Arthur was brought upon his death. Some people claim that Arthur was buried there, while others believe that he is simply in a deep slumber and will awaken again when his country needs him the most.

Many researchers, in attempts to prove the existence of Arthur (or a warrior like him, if not the High King), have stated that possible locations of Avalon may be either Glastonbury or the Isle of Mann.

In the late 12th century, a grave was discovered near Glastonbury Abbey with the epitaph "Hic iacet sepultus inclitus Rex Arturus in insula Avalonia." Translated, this becomes "Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur in the Island of Avalon." However, the authenticity of this grave is still under question, as some people believe it was planted there to attract visitors to the Abbey. (Also, some historians have placed the inscription as from the 11th century, while most scholars believe Arthur existed around the 5th or 6th century.)

In a case for the Isle of Mann, many researchers have noted that the geography is similar to that always associated with tales of Avalon. It is a genuine island, which would validate the several statements regarding 'crossing a sea' in order to arrive at Avalon, and it is a relatively unknown island.

It may also be that Avalon truly is a magical island. Many pagan groups believe in Avalon (or the Summerland) as a place of eternal beauty, to which they will be returned upon death.

The answers to the many questions surrounding Avalon are hardly forthcoming, but one thing is for certain: the legend of the isle of Avalon, and by extension King Arthur, will remain one of the most enchanting legends of all time.

The Flying Dutchman

The Isle of Avalon