Crimean Legend of Bear Mountain

On the Southern Coast of Crimea, Ukraine, there is a peak called Ayu-Dag, which means Bear-Mountain. It holds a legend…

In far-off days right on the coast there settled a herd of enormous beasts. An old and formidable bear was their leader. Once the bears returned after their raid and found wreckages of a ship on the coast. There was a packet among them. The leader had unwrapped it and saw a little girl. The girl began to live among the bears.

The years went by; she was growing up, and turned into a beautiful young girl...

Once, not far from the bears' lair, a boat with a handsome youth had been washed ashore. The storm had been bearing the boat along over the waves for a long time until it had cast it on the Crimean Shore. The girl carried the youth to a lonely spot. Many times she brought him food and drink. The youth narrated her how people in his own country lived. The girl sang him her favorite songs. And ardent love came into their hearts.

The youth had already recovered his strength, he made a mast and a sail - the loving couple decided to leave the bears' coast. And the wide blue smooth had already set between the boat and coastal rocks.

Then, the bears returned after the distant march and they did not find the girl. The leader looked at the sea and bellowed furiously. He hung his huge maw down into the blue moisture and began breathing the water in with force. The other bears followed his example. The current was carrying the boat back to the shore. Then the girl began singing. The bears tore their heads away from the water and were listening to the singing with delight. Only the old bear did not want to leave the coast, he continued lying peering into the distance, where the boat with the creature, he had become attached to, was vanishing.

And for thousand years the bear has been laying on the coast. His powerful body turned into stone. His strong sides turned into sheer precipices, the head turned into the sharp rock, thick hair - into the dense forest.

The old bear-leader became Bear-Mountain.
 

 Source: http://www.outdoorukraine.com/content/view/195/272/lang,en/ 

Prague's Legend of the Silver Fish

A legend says that a wealthy man called Myslík was forced to run away from Prague after the battle of the White Mountain. He gathered all his precious silver and melted it in a fish-shaped clay mould. Before leaving his beloved Prague, Myslík hid the silver fish inside a wall of his house. Many years later a new tenant was living in that house. One day, this man was ordered by the city counselors to tear down the old building and build a new one. The poor man fell into despair at the news as he didn't have the money to do that. He was about to leave his house when Myslík's silver fish fell out of a broken wall. The precious object allowed the man to restore his old house. This legend is still well known in Prague and the moral of this story is that someone's misfortune may always turn into someone else's good luck and so we should never lose our hope.
Source: http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/history/prague_legends.html

Legend of Dalibor's Violin

The name of the Tower of Dalibor (Daliborka) at the Prague Castle is connected to one of Prague's best-known legends, which was also made into an opera by Bedřich Smetana in 1868.

According to this legend, a man called Dalibor from Kozojedy, a small town near Litoměřice, was sentenced to death and imprisoned in this tower for giving shelter to some rebellious peasants. While waiting for the fatal day, Dalibor would play his violin and his music was so beautiful that all the people of Prague were moved and enchanted and the local authorities didn't dare announce the date of the execution. People knew that the generous Dalibor was dead when his violin fell forever silent.

Source:http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/history/prague_legends.html

The Legendary Golem of Prague

At the new town hall in Prague, Czech Republic, there stands a statue of Rabbi Loew, who is known for creating a legendary Golem.

In the 16th century, during the reign of Rudolf II, an old Jewish man named Rabbi Judah Loew lived in Prague. During that time, the Jewish people of Prague were being attacked and lived their lives in fear. Rabbi Loew decided to protect the Jews against pogroms by creating the Golem, a giant who according to the Cabala could be made of clay from the banks of the Vltava. Following the prescribed rituals, the Rabbi built the Golem and made him come to life by reciting a special incantation in Hebrew. The word "emet", meaning "truth", was placed on the Golem's forehead.

The Golem would obey the Rabbi's every order and would help and protect the people of the Jewish Ghetto. However, as he grew bigger, he also became more violent and started killing people and spreading fear. Rabbi Loew was promised that the violence against the Jews would stop if the Golem was destroyed. The Rabbi agreed. By removing the first letter from the word "emet", thus changing it to "met" (meaning "death"), life was taken out of the Golem. According to legend, the Golem was brought back to life by Rabbi Loew's son, and may still be protecting Prague today.



Source:http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/history/prague_legends.html

Vysehrad Rock Legend of Prague

Vyšehrad is a historical fort located in the city of Prague, Czech Republic. It was probably built in the 10th century, on a hill over the Vltava River. Situated within the castle is the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, as well as the Vysehrad Cemetery, containing the remains of many famous people from Czech history. It also contains Prague's oldest surviving building, the Rotunda of St Martin from the 11th century.

Local legend holds that Vyšehrad was the location of the first settlement which later became Prague, though thus far this claim remains unsubstantiated.

When the Czech lands were ruled by prince Křesomysl, a farmer named Horymír lived in the village of Neumětely. He had a white horse of extraordinary intelligence called Šemík. Due to Křesomysl's obsession to find treasures that were said to be hidden underground, people were encouraged to abandon farming and to become miners. Horymír was unhappy with Křesomysl's rule and warned that neglecting farming would result in famine. His protests were not liked by the miners who one day set Horymír's property on fire. Horymír and his followers in turn burned down the miners' village. Horymír was punished and sentenced for execution. When he was asked his last wish, he requested one last ride around the castle grounds on his beloved horse Šemík. His wish was granted. When Horymír got on his white horse, he whispered something in his ear. Šemík ran to the ramparts, jumped over them and slid down the cliff. When the on-lookers got to the ramparts, they were astonished to see Horymír and Šemík on the other side of the Vltava, galloping towards Neumětely.

The miraculous jump exhausted Šemík. The dying horse spoke to Horymír in a human voice and asked for a tomb to be built for him. Horymír did as the horse wished. The tomb has since disappeared but Šemík is said to be sleeping in the Vyšehrad rock, ready to come out when his help is needed again.

Source: http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/history/prague_legends.html

Legend of the Origin of Prague

In the country of Czech Republic, the Vltava River rambles by the historic part of the capital city Prague. Vysehrad, a historical fort, stands up on a high cliff overlooking the river. The fort with its thick stone walls encircles the remains of the past time, where once an early settlement of the area stood. And inside those heavy walls, stands a statue of Premysl and Libuse, which of course holds a legend.   

 A very long time ago, in the far away land, almost at the end of the Vltava River, before merging with other rivers, lived a smart ruler named Krok with his wife and three daughters. All three daughters were clever and gifted. Kazi had a gift of healing people. Teta had a gift of pulling tricks and entertaining her companions. And Libuse had a gift of prophetic power such as seeing events in the future, which helped her with making the right decisions. Therefore, her father saw that she would be the right daughter to lead the people once he was gone.

 The day came, when the father was laid to rest in peace. The townspeople mourned the death of the smart and just king. The uncertain future concerned them as there was no male descendant, only daughters. Even though, the king picked Libuse to rule after him, the people were still concerned raising questions if she would be able to take on all the responsibilities.

 Libuse quickly had proved that she could rule wisely and justly, resolving disputes among the tribe people. But the males of the community didn’t want a woman to be ruling over them. Therefore, they demanded Libuse to get married.

 “How shall I find the one, who would see the right path for my people as I see it?” She spoke to her sisters and it was more of a confession than a question.

 “It will come to you as it always does,” both sisters tried to cheer her up.

 She didn’t have to worry about this much longer. As soon as she spoke her fears out loud, the answer came to her. It was like releasing her fears out and letting the answer come to her. On the following day, before a rooster alarmed the townspeople, she had a vision in which she saw a man who would rule with her peacefully.

 After the rooster announced the morning, the councilmen had gathered as instructed. Libuse no longer feeling a pressure of finding a husband, now spoke with confidence. “I have found the suitor and it’s time to bring him here.” Some eyebrows were raised, nevertheless, she continued, “You will take my horse and let it loose at a junction of the roads. It will take you to a village, where you will find a farmer wearing a torn sandal.”

 One of the councilmen cleared his throat before questioning, “A sandal?”

 “Yes, one sandal,” responded Libuse without giving anybody a chance to raise another question.

 “He will be ploughing a field.” More eyebrows were raised, but nobody spoke.

 A following day, a horse was let loose at an intersection as instructed and two men followed him. It was the first village they came across, where at its boarders stretched out a field in which they noticed a farmer wearing only one sandal. Once approached and upon careful inspection, they confirmed that the only sandal on farmer’s foot was worn out.

 “The princess has invited you to the castle,” spoke one of the men.

 The farmer didn’t question the invitation almost as if he had known what was going to happen. “Is this horse for me?” He asked pointing to the horse, which found him.

 “It certainly is,” answered the other man, who was taken aback by the forwardness of the farmer, however his face didn’t give a trace of his surprise.

 Upon arrival at the castle, the farmer, whose name was Premysl, was introduced to the princess. Premysl looked at the beautiful princess and gasped. She looked like the princess from his dream. When the princess locked her eyes with the deep brown eyes of the farmer, they both instantly understood that they were meant to be together and to rule by the same token.  

 “I promise to be yours and to be faithful to you the rest of my life,” said Premysl.

 “As do I,” responded the princess.

 A marriage of Libuse and Premysl was celebrated with all royalty and townspeople. What a night it was. Tables were pulled from inside the houses and placed outside continuously across the town; decorated with flowers of pastel colors; filled to the edges with flavorful food, sweet fruits and freshly baked pies. Townsfolk put on the best gowns they owned for this special occasion. The night filled with laughter, singing and dancing until the early hours of the next day. 

 In the following years, Libuse and Premysl ruled together peacefully. During those years, they had three sons. The oldest one continued the Premyslid dynasty, started officially by his father. Libuse also had another vision, in which she saw a great city with spirals reaching for the stars.

 After the night’s vision, she gathered the councilmen by the river and pointed to a forested hill across the river and proclaimed, “Among those trees, there is a man building a threshold of a house. I want our men to join him and build a city there.” In Czech a threshold translates to prah, so she continued, “And it will be called Praha.”

The hill on which the city was built and grew from is known today as Vysehrad. And within its walls stands the statue of Premysl and Libuse, who overlook the city of Prague.

 

 

Richard the Lion Heart Legend

Many foreign rulers have visited Dubrovnik, Croatia, over the years. One such visitor was Richard I of England, or as he was known Richard the Lion Heart.

 According to legend he visited Dubrovnik in 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade War in Palestine. His ship became caught in a terrible storm in the Adriatic Sea and he desperately sought shelter. Afraid for his life he pledged that if he survived the storm he would build a church where he first touched land. After a bitter struggle his ship finally found shelter in a bay on the island of Lokrum and not forgetting he vowed to build a church on that very spot. The citizens of Dubrovnik soon heard about the Kings arrival and sent representatives to meet and invite him into the city. Whilst in the City he continued to honour his pledge and set about constructing a church on Lokrum. 100,000 gold coins were to be spent on this lavish project. However, the Dubrovnik City Council convinced him that a church in the city would be a much better idea, whilst they would organize building a church on the island. King Richard gladly accepted this proposal and legend says that he even asked the Pope for permission.

 

Source:http://www.englishmanindubrovnik.com/legends-of-dubrovnik-richard-the-lion-heart/

Maskeron Legend of Dubrovnik

If you enter the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, by the Pile Gate, as you walk along the Stradun, the main street, look carefully and you might spot a strange gargoyle head protruding from a stone wall.

It's on the left side, just next to the entrance to the Franciscan monastery and the stairway that leads up onto the city's famous walls. The head stands some half a meter above the ground, sticking out barely fifteen centimeters. Its top surface is polished like marble. The wall above it is noticeably greasy from the touch of a thousand hands.

Legend has it that if you manage to hop onto the head, keep your balance, and take off your shirt while still standing facing the wall, luck in love will follow you.

 

 

Source:http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dubrovnik-maskeron

Lokrum of Croatia Legend

Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea, close to the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The legend is associated with the founding of the Benedictine monastery on the island of Lokrum. According to this legend, a great fire erupted in Dubrovnik somewhere around the year 1023. The inhabitants of Dubrovnik made a vow to Saint Benedict that they would construct a monastery in his name if the city would be spared. The fire was extinguished instantly, and the thankful citizens of Dubrovnik then built a Benedictine monastery and church on Lokrum, which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Source: http://www.dubrovnik-online.com/english/dubrovnik_legends.php

Legend of the Amber Fort, Indian Legend

Amber of Rajasthan is situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur, India. The Amber Fort of Rajasthan set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture; all-built in white marble and red sandstone.

A legend says that as soon as Mirza had completed his for it came to the ears of the emperor Jahangir that his vassal had surpassed him in magnificence, and that this last great work quite eclipsed all the marvels of the imperial city; the columns of red sandstone having been particularly noticed as sculptured with exquisite taste and elaborate detail. In a fit of jealousy the emperor commanded that this masterpiece should be thrown down and sent commissioners to Amber charged with the execution of this order.

Whereupon Mirza, in order to save the structure, had the columns plastered over with stucco, so that the messengers from Agra should have to acknowledge to the emperor that the magnificence, which had been so much talked of, was after all pure invention. Since then his apathetic successors have neglected to bring to light this splendid work; and it is only by knocking off some of the plaster that one can get a glimpse of the sculptures, which are perfect as on the day they were carved.

 

 

Source: http://www.tourismtravelindia.com/rajasthanportal/touristattractions/amberfort.html

Water of Life, Polish Legend

In the southern Poland, at the foothills of Sudetes mountain range, there is a mountain called Sleza. At the top of Sleza there is a tourist Mountain hut, Church Mary, observation tower, even an ancient cult sculpture of a bear. But besides all the visible things, the top of Mount Sleza also holds a secret.

Many many years ago, there was a young man whose mother became gravely ill. One day he heard about the Water of Life, hidden at the top of Mount Sleza, which had the ability to restore one’s health. Yet its source was protected by evil spirits; whoever looked behind, would turn into stone. The young man’s mother refused to let him go on such a perilous journey, but she soon passed away.

The young man was determined to get the Water of Life. After a long journey he succeeded in reaching the top of the mountain, where an enchanted tree told him to break a twig from its branches, fill a jug with the water from the stream, place the twig into the jug and on his way back, sprinkle the water onto every rock he saw. The boy did just that, and every rock he sprinkled became human again. After he got back home, he sprinkled a few drops of water onto his dead mother’s head; when she came back to life, he made her drink the rest of the water and they lived happily ever after.