Scylla and Charybdis

In Greek mythology, a sea monster and a whirlpool, between which Odysseus had to sail. Later writers located them at the northern end of the Straits of Messina, between Sicily and Italy.

The monster Scylla lived in a cave on the Italian shore. It had 12 legs and six long necks, each terminating in a head which possessed three rows of teeth and barked like a dog. Six of Odysseus' companions were devoured by the beast.

On the Sicilian side was a huge fig tree, underneath which lived Charybdis, who swallowed the sea and regurgitated it again three times a day.

The legend probably represents the hazards to shipping located in the straits.