Optical illusion
The Three Sisters rock formation, Katoomba, Australia
One of the Blue Mountain's best known natural features is the Three Sisters rock formation, near Katoomba. And indeed, it is a most spectacular sight in the way it towers above the Jamison Valley.
The commonly told legend of the Three Sisters is that three sisters (Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo') lived in the Jamison Valley as members of a tribe. Fate had it that they fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. Unable to accept this, the brothers decided to use force to capture the three sisters. A major tribal battle between the tribes followed and the sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them. Unfortunately he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back...
Though the tale above is said to be an old Aboriginal legend, some researchers doubt this and argue that the story is perhaps only 100 years of age and fabricated for tourist reasons...
The Three Sisters rock formation, Katoomba, Australia
One of the Blue Mountain's best known natural features is the Three Sisters rock formation, near Katoomba. And indeed, it is a most spectacular sight in the way it towers above the Jamison Valley.
The commonly told legend of the Three Sisters is that three sisters (Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo') lived in the Jamison Valley as members of a tribe. Fate had it that they fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. Unable to accept this, the brothers decided to use force to capture the three sisters. A major tribal battle between the tribes followed and the sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them. Unfortunately he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back...
Though the tale above is said to be an old Aboriginal legend, some researchers doubt this and argue that the story is perhaps only 100 years of age and fabricated for tourist reasons...