Uwejja! The Fabled Treasure of Gozo’s Last Rabbit

The Hunt Begins in Gozo

In the teeny-tiny, yet oh-so-glorious island of Gozo, whispers spread like melted butter on ħobż biż-żejt about a legendary rabbit, supposedly the last of its kind. This was no ordinary rabbit. Locals called it “Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb,” which loosely translates to “The Golden Rabbit” and not because it was actually golden, mela, but because catching it supposedly leads to a treasure trove.

Il-Kaċċatur Sangwine

Meet Spiridione, the island’s most “enthousiastic” hunter—enthusiasm spelled in true Maltese style, my friends—he believed to the core of his being that Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb was more than just folklore. Armed with his trusty twix, which in Spiridione’s world meant his double-barreled shotgun, and an array of traps that would make a cartoon villain green with envy, he embarked on a journey across Gozo’s rugged terrain.

The Chase Through the Cities

His quest for the fabled rabbit took him from the bustling streets of Victoria to the Calypso-filled caves of Xaghra, and not even the salt pans of Marsalforn were safe from his inquisitive prods. Each step taken and each trap laid left Spiridione more determined than ever. With his face smeared with the red dust typical of Gozo’s roads, he resembled a warrior in pursuit of his trophy.

A Pasty Diversion in Mdina

Mid-chase, Spiridione heard the pitter-patter of furry feet and the scent of flaky pastry. His stomach rumbled louder than the ghajn tal-Hasselin. Kollox was forgotten in the face of the warm, cheerful call of “Pastizzi!” He ran towards the Mdina gate where a batch of freshly baked ricotta-filled treasures awaited. The rabbit’s cunning had bought it some time with the mere distraction of local cuisine.

Plot Twist: Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb Strikes Back!

The real twist unfolded when Spiridione, full of pastizzi, decided to set a final, foolproof trap in the ancient citadel of Valletta. Little did he know, Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb was no regular creature; it possessed the craftiness of a Maltese politician and the stealthiness of a stray cat at a fish market.

“Spiridione, min jaf f’idejh qiegħed jaqta’… He who holds the knowhow, cuts his own path. But sometimes, he also falls into his own trap!” chortled a wise old man sitting by Republic Street, observing Spiridione’s antics.

Sure enough, when Spiridione returned to his grand trap, he found no rabbit but a crowd of tourists clapping at what seemed to be a street performance. There he was, somehow caught in his own elaborate trap, suspended mid-air like a ripe żalzett (sausage), while Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb hopped away, disappearing into the narrow side streets of the capital.

The Interview That Never Was

The “Times of Mela” couldn’t miss out on this Uwejja event, so we hurried to grab an exclusive interview with the hunter-turned-showman.

“Mr. Spiridione, about the treasure…” But before we could finish, a resounding snore echoed from the dangling man. It appeared the pastizzi carbs had done him in.

Conclusion: The Moral of the Story

They say every Maltese tale comes with a moral, and the saga of Spiridione and Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb is no exception. Perhaps the real treasure wasn’t a pot of gold but a lesson wrapped in humor: sometimes, the biggest catch in life is realizing you’ve been chasing your own tail… or in this case, getting hung up on your own rabbit-chasing dreams.

For now, the legacy of Il-Fenek ta’ Deheb lives on in Gozo, as does the image of Spiridione stuck in his own trap—a photograph that quickly went viral among the local WhatsApp gruppi. Whether you’re a hunter of rabbits, treasure, or just a good laugh, remember to take a moment to savor life’s surprises… and maybe a pastizz or two.

Mela friends, that’s the tale from the Times of Mela—your trusty source for all things twisty, adventurous, and downright rib-tickling. Stay tuned for our next saucy story strait out of the Maltese archipelago!