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Stories and Legends 2: Elba: the age of the Pirates and Corsairs

SINAAM AND THE APPIANS
The story of the lady of Grassera originates from Rio on Elba; kidnapped during a barbarian raid, she became a favourite of the Sultan Delasman, to whom she gave a son, Sinaam. In mysterious circumstances, the boy was adopted by prince Giacomo V Appiano. The ferocious corsair Khayr al-Din, known as Redbeard, who was in service to the Sultan, reached the gulf of the ancient town of Ferraia (now Portoferraio), demanding that the prince hand over the young Sinaam. When this was refused, the corsair orchestrated a series of raids and killings which did not stop until the youngster was handed over.

THE DAMSELS OF LUCERI
Opposite Portoferraio, there was a castle called Luceri, which the terrible corsair Redbeard destroyed during one of his raids, killing its master, a noble knight and father of five daughters. It is told that the damsels searched long and in vain for salvation; then, overcome with tiredness, they retraced their steps towards the place where the castle was, holding each other’s hands. At one point, a scream rang through the night: a corsair vessel was in sight once again. Terrorised, the girls decided to run away, but the oldest one slipped on a high rock face, dragging her sisters with her into the water. Today, when there is a full moon and the gulf is illuminated, the garland of the virgins can still be seen on the seabed.

THE LEGEND OF THE LOVER
The protagonists of this legend, dating back to the time of the barbarian raids, are two lovers. He, Lorenzo, was captured by pirates by the sea during the wine making season. Maria, in attempting to free him, fell into the sea and was drowned in the waves. A blue scarf was all that the sea left behind of her, and from that day, the place is known as “The Lover”.

Related Links - Stories and Legends

1 - The age of Myth 2 - The age of the Pirates and Corsairs

3 - Stories of sinkings 4 - Tales from recent times

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