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10 Legendary Lakes (PHOTOS)

First Posted: 10/03/10 12:05 PM ET   Updated: 05/25/11 06:55 PM ET

We've all heard about the Loch Ness monster in Scotland, but how many of us know the dramatic story behind Lake Kariba, Africa's largest man-made reservoir, or the "real" location of the El Dorado myth?

Myths and legends have excited and inspired human beings for generations. We've compiled a list of seven unique and beautiful lakes around the world, with stories of love and divine vengeance to match. Fair travels, seeker!

 
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Crater Lake, Oregon
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Crater Lake is the deepest freshwater body in the United States. The Klamath Indians of Oregon describe the creation of the lake in a legend.

Llao, the spirit of the Below World, fell in love with the beautiful daughter of the Klamatah chief. When she rejected him on account of his ugly appearance, Llao swore to take revenge on her people.

The Klamatah chief sought help from Skell, the spirit of the Sky. A furious battle ensued between the two gods - analogous to the violent eruption of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago - but finally, Skell defeated Llao. In order to imprison him in the Below World forever, Skell collapsed the top of Mount Mazama and filled up the hole with beautiful blue water.

When explorers discovered the lake in 1853, they said it was the bluest lake they had ever seen. Today, Crater Lake National Park is host to a variety of activities, including hiking, boating, camping and cross-country skiing.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
AsISaid
06:19 PM on 10/05/2010
No Tahoe?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Guatemaladreams
04:33 PM on 10/05/2010
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is one of the worlds most beautiful and threatened lakes. Unfortunately there is a major cyanobacteria infestation in this amazing lake. There is a very informative website about the cyanobacteria and Lake Atitlan at http://www.lakeatitlanhealth.com
09:30 PM on 10/04/2010
Compared to Baikal, Lake Louis is a tiny puddle.  I stayed at that  overpriced  ersatz Swiss hotel ( forgot its name). the whole scene was  cheesy and touristy beyond  belief.
09:03 AM on 10/04/2010
What about Swan Lake? Or, Fire Lake?
Clarks Hill Reservoir has got to be on this list.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
EmilyRose2010
.Today is a new day!
08:01 AM on 10/04/2010
This list is incomplete of course. The lakes in Italy are so beautiful.
Where are the lakes of Japan?
Reissue please.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Oakland
06:18 AM on 10/04/2010
So the Great Lakes are the marvel of the planet, and you pick inland ponds over the straits of Mackinac.... Yes, Superior is superior, but nothing can compare to the Great Lakes system.
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liberalbug
do you want fries with that?
03:18 AM on 10/04/2010
Lame legends, but beautiful lakes.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
thegirlnextdoor
03:13 AM on 10/04/2010
"In the blue Canadian rockies
spring is sighing through the trees
and the golden poppies are blooming
on the shores of Lake Louise."
01:31 AM on 10/04/2010
Lake Saiful Malook is awesome...just getting there is a treat
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Telemachus Sneezed
Amendment XXVIII: Persons are flesh and blood
01:24 AM on 10/04/2010
FWIW, I don't see how Issyk Kul, at 5272 feet in elevation, can be the second-highest alpine lake when Tahoe is 6225 feet and Yellowstone is 7732 feet.
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Telemachus Sneezed
Amendment XXVIII: Persons are flesh and blood
01:29 AM on 10/04/2010
Not to mention three others on this list.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
gevan
the pilgrim has landed
12:56 AM on 10/04/2010
Como again? I'd pop my Champlain corks over this list if it included Takanassee.
11:44 PM on 10/03/2010
Loch Ness, anybody?
11:43 PM on 10/03/2010
7 does not equal 10.

Can no one count any more?

Ditto on Tahoe.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
rjmtx
blah blah blah
11:41 PM on 10/03/2010
Caddo Lake

The only (mostly) natural lake in Texas. A very cool place if you're like that kind of thing.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
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ChicagoBob
Save the Earth-It's the only planet with chocolate
10:58 PM on 10/03/2010
What's this?

You got something against Lake Michigan?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
gevan
the pilgrim has landed
12:57 AM on 10/04/2010
It's name is 'Michigan'.