Come along as we discuss the legendary island of Hy Brasil.
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Hy-Brasil (also spelled Hy-Brasil, Hy Breasail, or simply Brasil) is a legendary island said to lie in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Ireland. It appears in Irish mythology and maritime lore as a mysterious, often vanishing land, and has intrigued mapmakers, explorers, and storytellers for centuries. Here's a detailed overview:
Origins and Name
- Etymology: The name Hy-Brasil likely comes from the Irish “Uí Breasail,” meaning “descendants (or clan) of Bresal,” an ancient Irish clan. It has no connection to the modern country of Brazil, despite the similar name.
- It was sometimes referred to as the "Isle of the Blessed" and was associated with paradise-like qualities.
Myth and Folklore
- In Irish myth, Hy-Brasil was a hidden island, often shrouded in mist and only visible once every seven years—though even when visible, it could not be reached.
- It was described as a place of great beauty and abundance, sometimes even as a utopian society or a land of advanced knowledge and technology.
- Some versions of the legend say it was home to wise sages or priests with powerful secrets.
Cartographic Appearances
- Hy-Brasil began appearing on medieval maps as early as the 14th century, often west of Ireland or southwest of Galway Bay.
- It was included on several well-known maps:
- The 1325 portolan chart by Angelo Dalorto
- The 1375 Catalan Atlas
- As late as the 1800s, some maps still included it, sometimes depicted as a circular island split by a river.
Explorers and Sightings
- Over the centuries, several explorers claimed to have seen or tried to visit Hy-Brasil.
- In 1674, Captain John Nisbet, sailing from France to Ireland, allegedly encountered the island and described it as inhabited and fertile.
- Other 17th-century reports added to the myth, suggesting that travelers who reached it were granted knowledge or returned with riches.
Modern Interpretations
- Lost Island Theory: Some speculate Hy-Brasil could be a memory of a real island that has since sunk, or a misidentified location like the Porcupine Bank (a submerged plateau west of Ireland).
- Paranormal & UFO Lore: In 1980, Hy-Brasil was mentioned in the Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, where a map reportedly shown to one witness (under hypnosis) contained coordinates matching the supposed location of Hy-Brasil—adding to its modern mystery appeal.
Cultural Legacy
- The island has inspired works in literature, music, and art, symbolizing the unreachable ideal, a lost civilization, or mystical knowledge.
- It continues to appear in fantasy and speculative fiction as a place of wonder and enigma.
