Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-09
THE WAR PRIMER By National Geographic Society

The Black Sea Isle of Serpents- Less than 30 miles east of NCulina, the only important Black sea port re- maining in the possession of Rumania since Field Marshal von Mackensen captured Constantza, is the tiny Island 1 of SerpentS, around which cling many fantastic legends of fascinating inter est as well as several historical epi- sides which at one time threatened to become of international moment, says Q war geography bulletin issued by the National Geographic society. Unlike the monotonOuS reaches of reed-covered marShland which stretch for 50 miles along the Rumanian and Russian shores to the north and south C. the Sulina mouth of the Danube, and seldom attaining an elevation of more than two feet above the level of the Black sea, the Island of Serpents, or Fido- o-nisi, thrusts its precipitous cliffs above the water to heights ranging from 50 to 100 feet It is a mere f1eck of rock in sea whose depth a few yards from the shore is 2G fathoms. The is1et is scarcely more than a mile in circumference, but it has been a beacon guiding ships tc the Danube for many centuries, its elevation being in such striking con trast to the delta land of the great river.
 'In ancient times Ffdo-nisi had a variety of names, but Grecian poets and travellers referred to it most fre- quently as Leuce or the White Island, on account of the numerous seafowls which at certain seasons of the year swarned over it's cliffs.
 Tt was to this island that Thetis, the marine goddess, is supposed to lave carried the ashes of her son Achilles, hence the temple erected here in honor of the hero of the Tro- jan war. Another legend relates that Tketis snatched the body of Achilles from the funeral pyre, that he was restored to life and that thereafter he lived on the island with Iphigeneia, the daughter of Agamemnon, who had been saved from sacrifice by the god dess Artemis.
 "One of the most poetic descriptions Of the island and its temple is given by Arrain in the account of his voyage around the Black sea in the second century of the Christian era. He wrote:
 "It is related that Thetis gave this island to Achilles and that he still in habits it. His temple and status, both of very ancient workmanship. are seen there. No human being dwells mariners convey to it as votive offer iLgs. Other offerings or sacred gifts are suspended in honor of Achilles, such as vases, rings mad precious gems.
 " :Seabirds, divers and fowl innu- r1erable frequent the island and these birds alone have the care of the shrine. Every morning they repair to the sea, and, dipping their wings in the waves, sprinkle the temple, and afterwards sweep with their plumage it's; sacred pavement
 "The name Island of Serpents grew cut of the fact that numerous black snakes from four to five feet long were discovered here by mariners. Many of the reptiles are said to have fallen in the cisternS of the island and polluted the waters, which are now Lr.lrinl<able It is interesting to recall in connection wit hthe name of the island that Achilles was often referred to as the Snake-born' and that his mother Thetis frequently assumed the form of a snake.
 The Amazons are supposed to have attempted to seiez this island on one occasion, but the ghost of Achilles ap- reared and so terrified the horses of the female warriors that the riders were thrown and severely trampled upon, whereupon the expedition was abandoned.
 This meager rock brought England a1 d Russia to the verge of war 60 years ago. following the treaty of peace which ended the Crimean conflict. The island was not mentioned in the terms of the treaty and when Turkey sent small party to relight the lighthouse which had been dark throughout the struggle of 1S53-56 Russia attempted tc take control of the beacon which stands as a guidepost to the Danube's nouth. England protested and sent a feet across the Black sea to enforce her demands in behalf of her cent ally, the sultan. Russia after brief threat of resistance yielded The isl- and passed into Rumanian hands when that nation threw off the Ottoman aFanl<les in 1277-'