Mount Othrys

A Natura 2000 protected area has been defined over much, but not all, of the range according to the Birds Directive. Of interest to the government is the protection of the raptors and the prevention of clear-cutting and other settlement measures that would destroy their traditional habitat. The area, named Oros Othrys, Vouna Gkouras kai Farangi Palaio Kerasias, ID GR1430006, includes the eastern range, a spur to the south to cover Palaiokerasia Gorge, and a spur to the north to cover Gkouras Hill.

On February 5, 1991, a Lockheed C-130H Hercules 748 crashed into the mountain, killing 63 people.

Greco-Roman Mythology

In Greek mythology, Mount Othrys was the base of Cronus and Rhea and the other Titans and Titanesses during the ten-year war with the Olympians known as the Titanomachy. It was also the birthplace of the gods and goddesses who are children of Cronus and Rhea: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus. It was assaulted by the Olympians against the Othrysians, led by Cronus and Rhea's six sons and daughters. The Olympians later overthrew and restored the Othrysians and both gained dominion in all of heaven and earth.