| The most ancient legend referring to Syros is | | | | From that narration it is assumed that there was |
| that of Kiranos - it is mentioned in an inscription | | | | a considerable Phoenician influence on the island, |
| by Archilohos. In this legend the King with the | | | | during the early geometrical era (and perhaps |
| same name is mentioned, who lived, as it seems, | | | | later). That influence could have been so much |
| in the early historical years. According to some | | | | that the island's name is Phoenician, since it could |
| versions of this legend, Kiranos' origin is uncertain. | | | | come from two Phoenician roots: either "Ousyra" |
| He shipwrecked off Paronaxia and was rescued | | | | - "Ousoura" meaning "happy" or "Syr" meaning |
| by a dolphin which carried him to Syros on its | | | | "rock". |
| back. | | | | Besides, the name of the southwest bay, |
| A virtuous man, he was much respected by the | | | | "Finikas", could possibly be Phoenician influence. |
| inhabitants who for many years to come would | | | | Whatever the case, it is a fact that if the name |
| show "Kiranos' cave" with pride. The cave was | | | | "Syrii" is that of Syros island today this Homeric |
| the place he allegedly took to after his adventure | | | | rhapsody is the oldest written evidence for the |
| in the sea. | | | | island from that "obscure" era. |
| Moreover, Homer in the Odyssey, and to be | | | | What is a true fact is that Syros is a really |
| more specific in shepherd Eumeos' narration to | | | | beautiful island visited by many foreigners and |
| Ulysses, refers to a certain Syrii island (which is | | | | Greeks as well since it is only a few hours away |
| alleged to be Syros), that was ruled by Ktissios | | | | from Athens and easy to be reached. |
| Ormenides, the shepherd's father. | | | | |