Why did the “fairy lake” lake in Penteli disappear forever?

If you find yourself in the area today Penteliyou won’t see any lake. But a few decades ago there was wateraround which a whole series of local legends formed.

The residents called him “Vulismeni” And “Enchanted Lake”and in government documents it was listed under the name Talosi(Θάλωσι).

There were various stories about the origin of the lake. One of the most popular versions claimed that it appeared after the fall meteorite. Other stories spoke of a strange cyclical pattern: supposedly once every four years the water level dropped noticeably, exposing the bottom with everything that it could hide.

The legend of the disappearances and the “scientific” denouement

The darkest myth, which gave the lake a bad reputation, boiled down to one thing: “people disappeared in the pond”. According to memoirs and stories of that era, cases of disappearances of people who were last seen near the water were actually mentioned.

Over time, a more rational version appeared. According to researchers, the lake had underwater funnels and dangerous areas that could cause swimmers to get caught in whirlpools and drown. In other words, the mystical plot received an explanation that did not require supernatural reasons.

“Lake of Nymphs” and strange sounds

A separate layer of legends is associated with the atmosphere of the place itself. They said that the lake had an unusual acousticscausing visitors to feel as if they were hearing strange sounds and seeing optical illusions. These sensations were attributed to “nymphs” or “water spirits” (νεράιδες), who allegedly lure and “lead” men.

This is how another name stuck in people’s memory: “lake of nymphs”.

Why did the lake disappear completely?

The ending of the story was not at all romantic. IN 1964 there was a lake covered decision of the municipal authorities. They built in its place football field.

On the one hand, this decision was explained by safety and necessity “close” the dangerous area. On the other hand, it put an end to the existence of one of the most unusual natural objects Pentelileaving behind only legendsrare mentions and memory of old-timers.

Today this story sounds like a reminder that natural places often disappear not “mystically”, but quite routinely – under a layer of soil and urban infrastructure.

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