OCTOPUS

In certain tantalizing Greek lore the octopus was a symbol of evil; with tentacles that brought to mind a disturbing depiction of a deadly hug, synonymous with greed and materialism. In favor of this elegant and intelligent animal, I tell you a story from the beautiful village of Tellaro (La Spezia - ITALY) that has given rise to an important saga: "the Octopus Bell Ringer. "In the 17th century a fortress stood in place of the seaside village of Tellaro, to protect the inland village of Barbazzano from Sarace pirates who sought to loot its famous olive oil. One stormy night the Saracens managed to breach the very rugged coastline, as the watchman in the bell tower and the villagers peacefully slept . Legend has it that an enormous octopus emerged from the sea, grasped the rope of the bell and awakened the village. The villagers saw its tentacles still attached to the bell rope, after they had defeated the pillaging pirates!  From that day forward, the octopus, known as Tellarsi, symbolizes the village of Tellaro.