Case file · Folklore / legend
Colapesce, the fish-man of Messina
First told by Walter Map (c. 1190) and later linked to Frederick II, the legend of Nicola 'Colapesce' tells of a diver who lived in the sea; sent down to fetch a cup, he found Sicily rests on three columns, one cracked, and stayed below to hold it up.
1190 CE · 38.19, 15.55 · status: legend
The sceptical view
A folk tale; Messina's earthquakes give it its point.