Sirens of Ulysses: the myth of Sorrento "the land of the Sirens"

The Sorrento is one of the world's best-known and best-loved tourist destinations. The mountains that meet the crystal clear sea, the beautiful landscapes and the picturesque old town make it a place where beauty meets the myth of the Sirens of Ulysses. 

What links the land of Sorrento to the Sirens? 

Certainly, the originator of this connection is Homer, who extolled the natural and scenic beauty of the Sorrento Peninsula and made it the meeting place of the Sirens and Ulysses.

Legend has it that in this area lived three Sirens, the daughters of Acheloo: Ligeia, Leucosia and Parthenope. These used to charm sailors from the rocks of the Pelorus promontory, located between Scylla and Charybdis, until they were submerged by the waters.

In fact, the Sirens found on the mouths of Capri their ideal location as they needed both land and water. Moreover, loving to enchant sailors with their voices, this place represented a crucial crossing point for navigations. 

It is possible to read the story of the encounter between the Sirens and Odysseus in the 12th book of Homer's Odyssey. The Sirens of Odysseus represent one of the most fascinating mythical tales in Western literature. Their story has its roots in ancient Greece, which tells of half-woman, half-fish creatures with such a melodious voice that they attracted sailors to the deep waters.

In this book of the Odyssey, it is possible to read about Odysseus' third-to-last trial on his return journey from the Trojan War. After overcoming the Cyclops and the sorceress Circe, the Odyssey's protagonist must face the bewitching song of the Sirens. Odysseus is aware that they are able to enchant and persuade sailors to throw themselves into the waters and drown; therefore, he decides to put wax caps on all his companions while he gets himself tied to the mast. 

Ulysses, in fact, characterized by a desire to discover and know new things, wants to hear the song of the Sirens and find out what drives men mad.

By remaining bound he discovers the power of these wonderful creatures: to speak to each man differently and tempt him with his deepest desire. In the case of Ulysses, the Sirens  try to dissuade him with absolute knowledge. Only the fact that he is attached to the ship prevents him from accepting the proposal and ensures his salvation.

Odysseus was able to pass the test of the Sirens also thanks to the goddess Athena who helped him not to give in to their song. To thank her he decided to build a temple in her honor at the top of Punta Campanella in which to this day the remains can be seen.

The Sirens of Ulysses, however, did not have a happy ending because from their displeasure at failing to attract Ulysses, they took their own lives, fell into the sea and turned into rocks. These became the islets "Li Galli" visible from Punta Campanella, also called thearchipelago of the Sirens.

Moreover, the same name Sorrento appears to be derived from the Latin adaptation of "Siren", referring to the mythical mermaids who lured sailors with their captivating yet deadly melodies.

We are often asked why the "Light of Sorrento" logo depicts a Mermaid embracing a sun. 

The choice was made to encapsulate in the logo both a reference to the land of Sorrento and to our neurocosmetics products. In fact, the Siren is the symbol of Sorrento, but also of the female beauty our cosmetics take care of. Instead, the sun represents both the land of Sorrento, rich in sun and light, and the action of our cosmetics, which offer a natural glow to the skin thanks in part to the use of SorrentoLemon essential oil. 

Our products, in addition to providing an enhanced glow, are also antioxidant, anti-aging and moisturizing. Moreover, they not only care for the skin, but also for the well-being of the person by giving an inner glow thanks to the scent of Sorrento Lemon, which instills a sense of relaxation and peace. 

We are waiting for you in our eCommerce to discover all our products and start a emotional skincare!