Pefnos

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Pefnos (also Pephnos) was an ancient town in Laconia, on the eastern coast of the Messenian Gulf, about 20 stades from Thalamae. Today the site is near the village of Agios Dimitrios in the West Mani region. In front of it lies a small island named Pefnos, which Pausanias described as no larger than a big rock. On the island stood bronze statues of the Dioscuri, about a foot tall, in the open air. A tradition said the Dioscuri were born there. The island sits at the mouth of the Miléa river, which Strabo called the minor Pamisus. The Messenians claimed their territory once extended as far as Pefnos.

In July 2020, a statue shaped like an egg was placed on the island, depicting Zeus in swan form with Leda and suggesting that Helen of Troy was born there. Archaeologist Petros Themelis and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated that Helen was born on the island and inaugurated the statue on 22 August 2020.