CAPOPESCE

Colapesce was a fisherman’ son, Nicholas from Messina. He was known as Colapesce because of his love for the sea and his skills under the water: everytime he dove into the sea he resurfaced from the waves, ready to tell the incredible discoveries from the under water world.

He resided in the water for so long that he slowly started to gain fish (Pesce) like characteristics, such as being able to swim underwater for long periods of time without needing air. When King Frederick II found out about the young boy and his talent, he sailed to visit him. When he met him, he tested the boy”s abilities by throwing his possessions overboard for the boy to retrieve. Firstly he throw a cup overboard. While the king and his court were waiting on the boat, Colapesce succeeded and immediately recovered the cup. The king wanted to try him again and this time, threw his own crown even more in the depth. As always Colapesce brought the treasure back. He gradually began diving deeper into the water, always returning with the king’s possessions. However, when the boy was asked to retrieve the kings crown, he noticed a peculiar sight under the water. He saw the island of Sicily being held and supported by three columns, one intact, the second slightly chipped and scratched, and the third was crumbling away, making Colapesce uneasy at the sight of it. When King Frederick asked the boy to retrieve his ring, Colapesce was worried he might not come back. Eventually he decided to go but asked for a handful of lentils, saying “If you see the lentils float to the surface then I will not be coming back.” After waiting a few days for Colapesce to return, the king looked into the water and saw his ring and lentils float to the surface. He then knew that Colapesce had chosen to take the broken column upon his shoulders to support Sicily, saving the Island from the sinking. Sicilians claim that when the island shakes from earthquakes it is Colapesce.

There is always a king, a purpose and a hero.


Capopeche is dedicated to the 3,151 migrant deaths of 4,203 deaths in the Mediterranean recorded worldwide in the search and hope of a better life.
For more info:http://missingmigrants.iom.int

www.zoipappa.com