1,5 km outside Ioulida we meet the legendary Lion of Kea “Liondas”. It is a big stone carved lion (9m) from the Archaic period (about 6th century B.C.) and with an ironical smile on its serene face gazes towards Ioulida in the distance. According to one on the legends which are connected to the lion, Nymphs were the first settlers of the island and lived in the forests, near the springs. Thanks to the Nymphs Kea had humid climate, abundance of water and lush vegetation consequently one of its ancient name was Hydroussa.
The Nymphs though killed the women of the island until a lion appeared and chased them. The consequences were disastrous for the island as the Gods punished Keans and a period of drought started. Sirius the brightest star in the sky burnt the island with its dreadful rays. That was the wrath of Gods for expulsion of the Nymphs. The desperate inhabitants asked for the help of Apollo and he sent his semi-god son Aristaios. Aristaios offered sacrifices in honor of Ikmaios Zeus, the god of rain. The north winds known as meltemia were set up then. Etesian meltemia blow for 40 days during the period that the constellation Megalos Kynos, in which Sirius beloings shines. During ancient times Kea was considered to be the home of the north winds meltemia whereas The Lion – Liondas is the landmark of the island.
Source: kea.gr