Llao Rock rises nearly 2,000 feet above the lake level. As mentioned in
the geologic story of the lake, this rock was formed by a lava flow
which descended the slopes of Mount Mazama and filled one of the large
U-shaped valleys once occupied by a glacier.
According to a legend of the Klamath and Modoc Indians the mystic land
of the Gaywas was the home of the great god Llao. His throne in the
infinite depths of the blue waters was surrounded by giant crawfish, his
warriors, who were able to lift great claws out of the water and seize
too venturesome enemies on the cliff tops.
War broke out with Skell, the god of the neighboring Klamath marshes.
Skell was captured and his heart used for a ball by Llao’s monsters. But
an eagle, one of Skell’s servants, captured it in flight, and a coyote,
another of Skell’s servants, escaped with it; and Skell’s body grew
again around his living heart. Once more he was powerful and once more
he waged war against the god of the lake. Then Llao was captured; but he
was not so fortunate. Upon the highest cliff his body was quartered and
cast into the lake and eaten by his own monsters under the belief that
it was Skell’s body. But when Llao’s head was thrown in the monsters
recognized it and would not eat it.
Llao’s head still lies in the lake, and white men call it Wizard Island.
The cliff where Llao was quartered is named Llao Rock.