The myths and beliefs surrounding the Helmos Geopark form an inexhaustible source of cultural and historical interest, offering a fascinating connection between nature and human imagination. These traditions and mythological stories capture the attempt of people to understand and explain natural phenomena through myth and folklore.

The Styx and Its Magical Power
The geotope of the Styx, known for its spring that originates from the depths of Helmos, is linked to one of the most powerful myths of antiquity. According to ancient belief, the waters of the Styx spring were believed to come from the chthonic river of the underworld, the Styx, and were considered magical. The ancient Greeks would swear their oaths there, recreating the Oath of the Gods.

The Myth of Hercules and the Ceryneian Hind
Another notable example is connected to the myth of Hercules and the Ceryneian Hind, which lived on Mount Ceryneia and the geotope of the Sinkholes of Pheneos. According to the myth, Hercules was tasked with capturing the elusive creature, which was an arduous challenge, symbolizing the heroic struggle.

The rich mythology of the area is often linked to people’s inability to explain how geological formations were created. For example, the myth of Hercules who “cut” the narrow passage in the Portes-Triklias geosite highlights people’s imagination as they tried to explain natural phenomena.