Maltesische legenden von der Sibylla

Abstract

This text is a German writing of two folk Maltese stories concerning Sibyl, a female prophet with mystical powers that appears in various cultures and traditions. In these Maltese legends, Sibyl (Maltese "Issettisibella" or "Settusibilla") was said to have lived on Earth for 4000 years, from after the sin of Adam and Eve, until the time of the Virgin Mary. She was also believed to be the sister of Solomon, with whom she shared wisdom. She was a wise and beautiful woman, favoured by God, but despite her wisdom and prophetic abilities, she could not prophesise the birth of Virgin Mary, assuming that she herself would bear the Son of God. When Mary was chosen as the Mother of God, Issettisibella became enraged, swore to reside forever in Hell, and was swallowed by a chasm that led there, where she forever resides undying.