According to the rondalla (folktale) collected by Josep Capó, in the chasm of Son Pou, there was a hidden treasure.
This mountain is empty. Inside there is a great enchanted palace or castle, with large rooms and stone columns made of marble of many colours, fountains of living water and a great cauldron of shadows where they put the daring. Seven fairies live there and they keep watch over the treasure. During the sunlit days and moonlit nights, they sleep, but there is always at least one who keeps watch over the treasure. When there is thunder and lightning they have great parties with music, dance, great balls and celebrations where they want for nothing, with the most delicious things to eat and drink. When it is cloudy or foggy, they come out through the cracks - but as I said, there is always one who stays to keep watch - to meet with fairies from other parts. Sometimes they have met on the branches of the walnut tree at Son Pou, or the myrtle at Son Berenguer, or the hackberry at Son Torrella. Maria left the place without knowing if she was dreaming or awake. She told everyone at home. Her father and mother thought she was crazy, but she repeated it so much that in the end they said: - We can't lose anything by lighting a candle. Let's see what happens. - And one Sunday they lit a seven-pound candle...
El tresor de l'avenc de Son Pou
Folktale compiled by Josep Capó. Translated by Richard Mansell. Performed by Mika Noguera.
For centuries, oral literature has been nourished by legends, events and circumstances that common people either found hard to explain or else regarded as being particularly worthy of note. Unlike folktales, legends are partly based on fact and they generally allude to certain events, places or historical characters, combined with a dose of fantasy or some kind of supernatural ingredient. Mallorca’s legends explain the origin of stars or atmospheric phenomena, the beginning of the world and humanity, the formation of topographical features like mountains, coves and springs, or some plant properties. They also feature supernatural characters like witches, wizards, fairies, dwarfs, giants, fabulous animals, devils or lost souls, set in familiar surroundings. Religion and mythical, historical or imaginary characters also feature in the island’s tales, including figures like King Jaime I or Saint Vicenç Ferrer.
This legend, compiled by folklore scholar Josep Capó, is about a treasure hidden in a sumptuous palace on top of Son Pou. Guarded by fairies, it is always closely protected to prevent it from being found.
L’avenc de Son Pou is a natural cave in the Son Pou estate, very close to the Coanegra storm channel. In the past it was called the 'cova des Coloms', 'l’avenc de Coanegra' and 'la cova d’en Botó'. The first descents through the entrance date back to the 19th century. The access tunnel, which is more than 50 metres long, was planned by the writer and architect Pere d'Alcàntara Penya and was built in 1894. The aim of this work was to make it possible to collect pigeon droppings to be used in the tanning process, but the place's features, the chiaroscuro atmosphere and the karst formations have made it a mythical location that has inspired poets.
