The tales and legends which are narrated across the Maldivian archipelago make for intriguing reading. Listed out below is a closer take on the folklore culture of the Maldives.
Maldives’ Ties to Islam
It is a known fact that the citizens of the Maldives converted to Islam at the turn of the 12th century. However, what most travel blogs don’t tell you is that in times long gone, the island nation was haunted by the demon, Rannamaari. As a result, the locals were subjected to harm which required sacrifices to be made to keep the demon at bay. It is stated that once Moroccan scholar Abul Barakat recited the Holy Quran, the demon was driven into the Arabian Sea and was never seen again.
Coconuts
Legend has it that the first coconut trees to ever see the light of day in the Maldives were in actuality, the work of a sorcerer who used the skulls of the 1st settlers to grow the trees. Though the said tale would put most horror movie plots to shame, the locals continue to believe in it.
Tuna
Tuna is considered an essential part of the Maldivian diet and can also be found on the menus of local restaurants such as those found at VARU by Atmosphere which is a good option for a Maldives all-inclusive resort. The Maldivian’s opine that tuna arrived in the nation on the back of a duel that ensued between a seafarer by the name of Bodu and a mythical tree called Dagas. When the latter was defeated, the tuna is said to have taken refuge near the Maldivian shore.
The end
As per popular belief, the island nation is expected to disappear completely and be swallowed up by the sea.
