The beautiful islands of Maldives are found in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Consisting of over a thousand islands (of which only about 200 are inhabitable), this nation is a renowned holiday spot. The people of this region are famously known for their hospitable nature, and are one of the reasons the country is such a popular tourist destination. While most visitors go there primarily for the beaches, Maldives is a country of rich traditions and a long history, as anyone who strays from the beach is likely to find out.
The people of Giraavaru were the first to settle in the nation. They originally populated only one island which they called Male. The ancestry of the Giraavaru people can be traced to the Indian subcontinent, and many traditions and beliefs of the subcontinent spice Maldivian folklore. Indeed the famous story of Don Hiyala and Alifulhu bear a faint resemblance to the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu text. Eventually the country would become an Islamic nation, with much of the local folklore being influenced by Islamic myths and legends. Despite the various influences, or perhaps because of it, Maldivian folklore is unique to the country and belongs completely to its people.
The myths of the country can be classified by its content. Stories dealing with the origins of the island involve coconut trees and tuna fish, reflecting their importance to the livelihood of the people. It is said that this paradisiacal region was once an uninhabitable place and the first settlers died in great numbers, until a powerful sorcerer cast a spell which made coconut trees grow out of the skulls of the dead. Stories that deal with the extinction of Maldives usually involve a catastrophe that causes the sea levels to rise swallowing up the islands.
While the folk tales have evolved with time, their underlying themes remain unchanged. They not only offer a momentary diversion into fantasy but also offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Maldivian people.
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