#sansuna

The constellation of Sagitta, the Arrow // E. Slawik/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/M. Zamani

Click below for some information on this small constellation as well as an annotated image!

Underneath the surface of Malta’s rich culture is a world of folklore, stories passed down through the years about enigmatic creatures, mythical heroes, and ingrained superstitions. These tales provide insights into the island’s history and continuing cultural identity, while also serving as a source of entertainment and reflection on the Maltese people’s collective consciousness.

The Ġgantija temples on the island of Gozo are associated with one of the most well-known tales in Malta. These megalithic ruins are thought to have been constructed by a race of giants and are older than the Egyptian pyramids. Local legend holds that the temples were built in a single night by a giantess called Sansuna, who carried her infant on her shoulder. The idea that only extremely strong beings could have built these temples has been reinforced by the size of the stones and their enigmatic function...