Legends and myths of Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz, renowned worldwide for its iconic double-armed Cross and its status as a pilgrimage destination, is also a stage for mysterious stories that link its medieval past to the present. In this article, we share some of its most mystical and spiritual legends, and in the footer, we provide expert guide contacts for tours of these sites, allowing you to experience these secrets up close:

The legend of the Harpy of Caravaca de la Cruz

At the corner of the Church of El Salvador stands a mysterious sculpture, popularly known as the "Harpy." This figure has been an enigma for centuries, surrounded by various legends and speculations about its origin and purpose. At first glance, its appearance blends human and animal traits, leading to theories that connect it to mythological creatures like sirens or harpies, though some interpret it as a representation of Saint John the Evangelist.

What makes this figure even more curious is its location, on a corner locally nicknamed "the corner of death." According to legend, several fatal accidents took place in this area, and it’s believed that the vigilant figure can foresee the fate of those who pass by, heightening its mystique and cementing it as a key part of local folklore.

The "Harpy" is a figure with mixed features, combining the body of a bird and the head of a human, reminiscent of creatures from Greek mythology. However, its exact origin remains a topic of debate. Some historians suggest that its original purpose was purely decorative, part of the Gothic ornamentation of the church. However, others believe its story points to something darker, linking it to the surveillance of human fate and the dangers lurking at crossroads, a common symbol in medieval Christian culture.

The legend of the giant Tomir

The legend of the giant Tomir, first told by the chronicler Manuel Guerrero Torres, recounts the story of a colossus who, after surviving the fall of the titans, found refuge in the lands surrounding present-day Caravaca de la Cruz. This mythological figure, revered for his enormous size and strength, was known for his strong principles: he rejected unjustified violence and allied himself with civilizations like the Romans and Greeks, valuing their knowledge and arts. Wearing the helmet of Mars and wielding a club made from the hardest trees of Atlantis, Tomir protected these lands from invaders and barbarians.

Throughout his life, Tomir acted with generosity and justice, preventing atrocities by the Carthaginians and fostering the prosperity of the region. However, his fate changed when he fell in love with a princess who deceived him with promises of love, luring him to set sail for a distant kingdom. Upon discovering her betrayal, the giant fought off sea monsters and defeated them, but while he was distracted, the Moors seized the city he had sworn to protect. On his return, Tomir punished the traitor, and with an earth-shattering roar, he toppled the towers and walls built by the invaders.

Since then, legend has it that the giant sleeps, buried beneath the lands of Caravaca, awaiting the moment when a new enemy threatens his city. According to the story, Tomir will rise again when he hears the war drums of an invading army, and with his club in hand, he will once more liberate Caravaca from any threat.

The legend of the lovers in Las Fuentes del Marqués

The legend of the lovers at the Fuentes del Marqués dates back to medieval times, during an era marked by the Muslim expansion and the Templar Crusades. The protagonists of this story are a young Templar named Jorge and Hayla, the daughter of an Arab sayyid.

The legend tells of how Jorge, during a test of bravery or “initiation prank” imposed by his fellow Templars, discovered a passageway that led him to the Caves of the Marqués, the summer residence of the Arab king. There, he met Hayla, and the two fell in love at first sight. Despite the impossibility of their relationship, they met in secret night after night, ignoring the cultural and religious barriers that stood between them.

However, the love of these young souls did not go unnoticed. Jorge’s fellow Templars, intrigued by his mysterious disappearances, decided to follow him. At the same time, Hayla’s father, suspecting his daughter’s behavior, also began to track her. On one of those nights, at the Fuentes del Marqués, the lovers were discovered, and a violent clash erupted between the Templars and the Muslim guards. In the midst of the battle, the king, believing his daughter was being kidnapped, shot an arrow that accidentally killed Hayla. In a rage, the king also killed Jorge, forever uniting the lovers in death.

The legend says that after the tragic end, the bodies of the lovers fell into the stream of the Fuentes del Marqués, whose waters turned cold and lost their color, reflecting the pain of their loss. Some say their bodies lie at the bottom of the river, while others claim they transformed into the water itself, protecting all lovers who visit the site.

Our tourist offices in the Region of Murcia offer free guided tours to discover the rest of the legends and much more. Contact the guides:

Tudmir

Phone: +34 691022019
Email address: info@tudmirst.com

Miguel Ángel Pomares Aroca

Phone: +34 616717888
Email address: info@guiasmur.com