The Return beach of Ortona: Legends of Ortonese Culture
The little beach called by the inhabitants of Ortona holds a fascinating legend. Below is the complete story.
The Return beach of Ortona: Legends of Ortonese Culture
Of myths and legends, as we know, the world is full. Very fascinating is the one regarding the famous little beach behind the lighthouse of Ortona, called by all the inhabitants "la Ritorna" ("the Return"). What makes it special is a legend from which a tale has been derived.
The short story tells of a prince who asked the king of the Ortona castle for hospitality for himself and his soldiers. They were joyfully welcomed, and a feast was held in their honor that same evening. During the festivities, the princess appeared and, upon introducing herself to the prince, he immediately fell in love with her. The next day, the prince went to the king to ask for the princess's hand in marriage, but there was a categorical "No!" A few days passed, and the prince embarked with his soldiers to fight the Saracens, promising to return. He was pierced in the heart with a lance and died, invoking the princess's name. The news reached the Ortona castle, and the princess was so devastated that she couldn't believe it. Every day she went to the rock of Ortona, and some passing fishermen heard her loudly calling out "return, return."
Below is the complete tale:
Once upon a time, there was a young and beautiful princess who lived in the Ortona castle. She was deeply loved by her parents and well-regarded by the entire court for her grace and generosity. One day, a young prince arrived at the castle and asked the king for hospitality for himself and his soldiers. He was joyfully welcomed, and in his honor, a beautiful feast was held in the evening. During the feast, as soon as the princess appeared, the prince fell in love with her and danced with her for a long time.
She soon reciprocated his love. The next day, the prince went to the king to ask for the princess's hand in marriage, but he received a negative response. Not even the princess's tears could convince him, as he didn't want to be separated from a daughter so good and beloved. Several days passed. The prince embarked with his soldiers to fight against the Saracens, but he promised the princess that he would return to take her with him. Off the coast of Ortona, the ship was attacked by a fleet of pirates that infested the Adriatic.
The prince and his soldiers fought bravely, but the pirates were more numerous and eventually emerged victorious. The prince was struck in the heart by a spear and died, calling out the princess's name. The news of the battle reached the Ortona castle, and the princess's grief was so great that she couldn't believe the death of her promised spouse. Every day, she went to the furthest rock of Ortona and gazed out at the sea, far away, hoping for the prince's return. Fishermen passing by in their boats heard her crying and calling out, "Return, return."
Even the sea was moved by the princess's tears, and one day, with a gigantic wave, it carried her away to join her beloved. During stormy days, for a long time afterward, the echoes of the waves crashing against the rock continued to repeat, "Return, return." And from then on, the fishermen of Ortona called the rock "la Ritorna."
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Light Designer in everyday life, a traveler in my second life. A believer in the philosophy of solo travel, just to do as I please. I photograph and explore anything within my sight.
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