Petillia and the Satyr 
Subject

While the sea is dressed in the lights of the rainbow, three Nymphs throw, with the grace of a dancing ceremony, riches collected in the most fertile parts of the globe, handfuls of earth, flowers and fruits, giving life to the three points of the TRINACRIA.

On one of the nearby islands, called Pantelleria, Aphrodite, Goddess of love, is reflected in the lake of love. Stripped of the dress, the wonderful Goddess, with grace, begins the washing of her body. The ship of Anchises, passes close by the crew watches, captived by the intoxicating scent.

An imminent storm overwhelms the ship, forcing Anchises to dock at Drepano, a city on the extreme tip of Trinacria. The Trojans arrive in a happy land, full of fruit and gifts from the sea. Among the thousand aromas, Anchises and his men are however attracted by one particularly irresistible scent. Greedy and excited, they run following the peak of Erice attracted, crazy by the smell of love. A beautiful young Sicilian, Petillia, follows them curiously.

They reach the summit of the mountain, shrouded in an unknown mist, and, protected by a fortified wall, they arrive at the Temple of Aphrodite, where the sinful Priestesses of love await them, who do their utmost in an entrancing dance.

Petillia, hidden, anxiously watches the ceremony.

Fascinated, she asks the Goddess Aphrodite to be initiated into the priesthood of love. The Goddess first orders her commission to go to Marsala and bring her as a gift of good wine and white sugary grapes. “Follow the scent of the wine,” She suggests.

A ship with the Dancing Satyr as a figurehead arrives near the Egadi Islands, and, near Favignana, its crew is enchanted by the song and seductive dance of the sorceress Circe and the bewitching sirens.

The Ship of Satyrs runs aground and is shipwrecked. Swimming frantically, they manage to get to Mozia, saving themselves. Unfortunately, a cruel fate awaits them on the islet and they become prisoners of the Priests of Sacrifice to be given to the Phoenician god Baal. While one of the Satyrs is burned on the altar with the Tophet, the others manage to escape from the sea, invoking the wrath of Baal.

Once in Mazara, they are greeted by smiles and joy, honoring their fortune, celebrating with orgiastic dance. The curious Petillia also arrives, with her barrel of wine and basket full of grapes.

Petillia and a Satyr meet and fall in love.

But Baal, enraged, bursts into the party, killing the satyrs. Petillia manages to hide the beloved Satyr under her cloak and flees towards Marsala.

In Marsala the two lovers reach the Sybil's Cave to drink and ask for luck and happiness.

The sorceress Sibilla foresees that, to crown their love, they must invoke the help of the Gods of Selinon, "Follow the scent of wild parsley and you will find the hill of the Gods" she tells them.

Confident they set off towards Selinunte, discovering a rich and powerful city, built with magnificent temples and sacred buildings.

They go to "Temple E", to Hera, patroness of weddings, boyfriends and pregnant women.

Hera blesses them and explains to them that they must also be blessed by the other Gods.

They then go to the "Temple C" of Apollo, God of the Sun, protector of the sick, infirm, where the head of Medusa, supporter of sailors, is placed at the entrance. Apollo also offers his blessing and sends them to the others.

The two enter the colossal "Temple G", of Zeus; God of Sky and rain.

Dionysus, God of wine and joy enters it cheerfully.

Dionysus, to please the great Zeus and, always eager for celebrations, proposes to give grace to the two lovers in exchange for the virginity of Petillia, to offer to his father Zeus, during the propitious feast of San Vito.

“Let yourself be found in San Vito! Follow the scent of the couscous,” says Zeus approvingly.

Among drum rolls, foods, wines, the tarantella of the Cuntigusa transports everyone in a confused joy. Surrounded by a splendid and enchanting sea, the lovers let themselves be carried away by the dance of San Vito. Fallen into a trance, they withdraw and unconsciously abandon themselves to the joys of love, generating the angry wrath of Dionysus who swears severe punishment.

Now left to their own devices, the two flee to seek refuge in Segesta, the eternal enemy of Selinunte.

In the night, accompanied by the lights of the moon and stars, the Temple of Segesta glows in its magnificence, offering a vision worthy of mystical contemplation.

Enchanted, Petillia and the Satyr are hosted in the magnificent Segesta, welcomed by an exuberant Artemis, goddess of hunting. Very tall and belligerent, she declares them under her protection. The Devotees of Artemis honor guests with perfumes, ointments and sacred wine. Between incense, caresses and massages, the two let themselves be carried away by rest while around them, there is a banquet made up of men of many races, handmaids, and Maenads, who relieve themselves of tasty wine.

The bliss is abruptly interrupted by the impetuous force of Dionysus and Baal, who together attack Artemis and her followers.

An aggressive and violent fight dance erupts. The devout warriors fight aggressively, the two Gods, impetuous and nervous launch rockets of flaming light from their sticks. Artemis resists, but the Satyr, incapable of the art of fighting, is hit and falls to the ground dying. The satisfied Gods leave and Petillia takes him in her arms in despair.

Inconsolable, she weeps her lament in front of the lagoon of Mozia. Next to her, the motionless body of the beloved Satyr, ready to be donated to the fate of the sea. As she sits unhappy and alone, POSEIDON suddenly emerges powerful from the sea, his horses, his sirens.

“Tormented Petillia, you are saddened by the death of your beloved, can I do something to make you happy again? he asks. “There is no more hope for me. I just want to stay next to my loved one forever." “If that is your wish, I have the power to grant it in the Realm of the Seas. And so be it!" says Poseidon.

An immense and sudden brilliant glow coming from the "Via del Sale" reflects upon the water, displaying spectacular images of the white expanses, brilliant as diamonds, crowned with the song of the wind and peace. Accompanied by peaceful herons and pink flamingos, the three nymphs arrive near Petillia, take her by the hand and the satyr in their arms, leading them towards the sea.

Petillia and the Satyr are left on the coast of the island by the sirens who will protect them forever. The God of the Sea transforms their bodies into solid and indestructible stones, forming two identical and close rocks placed as a divine sign of eternal love.

That cave will be named "The cave of Lovers" of Favignana in their honor.