Junior College – Ancient Wisdom Group

Maltese Legend: Il-Maqluba

What are the characteristics of a

legend ? The definition of a legend is:

“An unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.”

A legend is a fictional or partially fictional story which was once believed to be true.

Usually there is some historical truth at the heart of a legend.

What are the characteristics of a legend ?

A legend often

involves a hero who

does amazing deeds

using his strength

or intelligenc

e.

What are the characteristics of a

legend ? The legend usually contributes to the

culture of the area that it originates from.

A legend is passed down through generations through storytelling and is changed throughout history by exaggeration in retelling the tale.

A legend usually has a moral for ethical behaviour in society.

This legend is about a small village, which was situated on the outskirts of Qrendi.

This village was split into two parts, the rich and the poor.

Our Maltese Legend

Il-MaqlubaBetween the two parts of the village was the centre where a church stood, this was where all the bartering done by the richer society to the poorer was done on a daily basis.

When Sicilian merchants started trading with the

Maltese, there was a lot of trade and

commerce between the two

sides.

This made the rich, richer while the

poor became even poorer.

As the rich became richer, they asked for more land to build luxury houses for themselves.

The poor became jealous of the success of the rich people.

In the village one wise man started advising

everyone to make

amends and stop hating each other

…

One day a huge earthquake struck and all the village was scared.

Due to the wise man’s words they started to pray and became

respectful again, however, a few years later, their jealousy and hatred

against each other reappeared.

The old man once

again warned

them that if they

continued to fight,

the village would cave

into the ground.

During that same week, the village experienced a lot

of rain, and a huge

thunderstorm approached.

At a point the village shook with the thunder and was lifted up and landed into

the sea where Filfla is thought to be its only

remains.

Some explanation … Situated in the outskirts

of Qrendi

Maqluba means ‘upside-down one’

A depression in the ground is present today

Today the village is thought to be Filfla

Some ethical lessons ..

1. Acceptance

2. The danger of Jealousy

3. The peril of Greed

4. To listen to our elders

5. To learn from one’s own previous mistakes

Its relevance today …

• The villagers were spilt in

two classes

• There was lack of tolerance

between the 2 groups

• The rich were always

progressing and wanting

more, and the poor were

left behind.

• Social classes are still present nowadays.

• Racism and intollerance still exists in our multi-cultural society.

• Today the rich can enjoy more luxuries regardless of what others cannot afford.

One Common factor that the legend points out is that, whether one is rich or poor, suffering can be experienced by everyone.

Even today, both rich and poor are exposed to national disasters and other misfortunes such as in earthquakes or other accidents

beyond anyone's control.

Some still associate these kind of disasters as

punishments from God.

In the legend the wise man represents humbleness and knowledge. His words of advice were for both rich and poor. Hence, the solution to our troubles

are to treat everyone the same way – equality. An example of this nowadays is to tolerate people

who are of a different race.

How does this legend change

our perspective?

The importance of this legend today and in the

future … It depicts an imperfect or mixed society that

had existed before. Something that is still experienced nowadays.

Discrimination of people who are different can still be found.

There will still be stubborn and selfish people.

Diversity and clashes will remain.

Tolerance is still not universally accepted.

This legend in today’s life and future …

Wrongdoings in society need to be dealt with effectively to ensure public order and good.

Today’s developments may affect our children’s and even our own future. For example: Racism.

Why will this legend last longer than others?

Simple and Easy to remember.

Valid message for centuries.

Multicultural Societies experiences same problems.

Clearly depicts human behaviours.