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Rhodes bears many names, but one of the oldest—Telchinia—speaks of its first mythical inhabitants. The Telchines of Rhodes, sons of the sea and masters of ancient craft, shaped not only statues and storms but the very soul of the island.
Revered and feared, they walked the fine line between divine artisans and cursed magicians, leaving behind a tale far older than temples or castles.
According to ancient myth, the Telchines were the original people of Rhodes, born from the waves and the raw forces of nature. Their sacred hill was Achaia—now known as Filerimos—where they worshipped Hera Telchinia. The island itself once bore their name: Telchinia, in honor of their deep connection to its early identity.
Grouped with other legendary peoples like the Lelages and Pelasgians, they were considered “Pre-Hellenes,” inhabitants before the arrival of historical Greek settlers. Ancient writers also link them to mythical beings such as the Curetes and Dactyls, suggesting a broader role in early mythic traditions of the Aegean.
The Telchines of Rhodes stood apart for their talents in metallurgy and magical command of the elements. Said to be the first mortals to master bronze and sulfur, they crafted statues so lifelike they seemed animated. Some traditions credit them with forging divine weapons—Poseidon’s trident and Cronus’ sickle among them.
Their powers extended far beyond the forge. They were believed to summon hail, rain, and fire at will. This command over nature elevated them in the eyes of some, yet also cast a shadow of suspicion. Their gaze was said to wither crops; their presence, at times, was linked to misfortune. Admired and dreaded in equal measure, the Telchines were legends of contradiction.
The end of the Telchines on Rhodes is steeped in mystery and darkness. One tale recounts their departure from the island in fury, burning the land with fire, bronze, and brimstone—a mythical cataclysm tied to their curse.
Other stories hint at divine punishment. The gods—Zeus or Apollo—may have destroyed them for their pride, their sorcery, or perhaps their unmatched power. Regardless of the cause, their vanishing marked the end of an age, sealing their memory as both pioneers and pariahs.
Though long vanished, the Telchines of Rhodes endure in legend. Their legacy lies not in ruins, but in the stories whispered through the hills of the island and the ancient name they left behind. They were craftsmen of the gods, conjurers of storms, and carriers of an ambivalent power—equal parts gift and threat.
Even now, as visitors wander through Rhodes’ medieval streets and marvel at its grand architecture, the echoes of the Telchines ripple beneath the surface—unseen, but never forgotten.
The above article is based on the book ‘Ρόδος’ authored by Theofanis Bogiannos. The article is published with his permission.
