Tradition / Region: Malta Mythology
Alternative names: Devil Ray, Devil Ray of Dwejra
Category: Cave dweller
The Myth
The Devil Ray of Dwejra is a huge ray said to inhabit a dark cavern at Dwejra in Gozo. The cavern connects an inland pool with the open sea, and the monster is known for its enormous tail and for prowling through the deep waters of the cave.
According to the tradition, boatmen frequently saw the enormous ray inside the deep cavern and were frightened by its presence. Anyone travelling through the cave by boat had to be careful not to fall into the water, where the monster was believed to be waiting below.
Several boatmen attempted to capture the creature by placing nets across the exits of the tunnel. Their efforts were unsuccessful, however, and the Devil Ray always remained beyond their reach.
The cavern was said to contain a hidden passage leading from the sea into the underworld below. According to the tradition, the Devil Ray could use this secret tunnel to disappear from the cavern and escape anyone attempting to catch it.
Sources
Mifsud, S. D. (2014). The Maltese bestiary: An illustrated guide to the mythical flora and fauna of the Maltese Islands.