The Giant Named Menesk - Legend of Minsk, Belarus

In the country of Belarus and its rolling hills on a slope stands its capital of Minsk. The Svislach River meanders across the city. Its calm water brushes the banks of the waterway. Sometimes the wind rushes the water, which whispers remind the locals of a giant, who once lived on the banks of the river and it is said that he was the founder of the city.

A very long time ago, in the area of rolling hills and meandering rivers lived a man named Menesk. He was a very big and strong man. He was so strong and so big that some people thought he was a giant. He lived in a mill by the river. It was said that he grinded stones and rocks instead of rye to make flour for bread. He felt that he was misunderstood by people. So he traveled in search of a new place many times until he found this place.

Menesk settled at the banks of Svislach River among pine and spruce trees, which created a perfect quiet place he longed for. He loved sitting by the river, watching the ducks pass him by, feeling the breeze brush his face and listening to the chirping birds above his head. He could sit by the river for hours, appreciating his peaceful place.

The nights were even more serene. The sound of the leaves swaying on the trees and the water flowing in the river lulled him quickly into sleep every evening.  However, it didn’t take long till his peaceful nights were disturbed by bashes. Loud voices, singing and laughing coming from the river would break his soundless sleep one night, then another. On the third night he grinded his teeth and said to himself, “I’ll give you a piece of myself at the break of the dawn.”

With the first sun rays on the horizon, Menesk wandered to the nearby villages looking for those who dared to wake him up at night. He knocked on many doors and windows until they vibrated with rusty noise. He hollered at anybody who appeared from around the corner, scaring the innocent souls. Those unlucky ones, who stumbled upon him, ran in the opposite direction as soon as they saw his huge hunched body covered in tattered clothes, unruly hair and crooked nose. He went from village to village, but nobody would come forward to face a giant.

Those, who were scared to face the giant during the day, were not so afraid to continue their bashes on the river during the night. After more unslept nights, Menesk thought to himself, “Maybe I need to try a different tactic. Maybe I should invite them in instead of trying to scare them away.” So one night, he lit the place with many candles, made lots of sweet bread and waited by the river hidden in the bushes.

When the party on the river approached Menesk’s house, they were surprised to see the place so bright. As the river currents slowly moved them closer and closer to his house, there was no turning back. “Welcome, welcome,” said Menesk coming out of the bushes, when they neared him. The boys and girls drifting on the river, by the tone of Menesk’s voice were not sure if he was trying to be nice or mean. Their lips went from arching up to now arching down making their faces looked like they were very scared. The giant sensing the problem added, “Why don’t you stop by and we could continue the celebrities together. The sweet bread is already awaiting you.” The companions hesitated a bit, there was still time to think before they passed the giant and before it was too late to stop by his house as the river doesn’t stop for anybody to make a decision, but when the smell of freshly baked bread reached their noses, it convinced them to stop. Still with some hesitation, they stepped out of the boat following Menesk to the house.

The music, singing and laughter echoed in the woods and it didn’t stop until the mugs and plates were empty. And only then everybody decided it was time to go home and thank the host for such memorable night.

In the morning, only the crumbs reminded Menesk of the last night party. All bread was gone. The giant never enjoyed such company before. As much as he appreciated his quiet place during the day, now he also relished his company at night. More nights followed in the company of his new friends.

Months passed and seasons changed. During that time Menesk and his new companions became close friends. He always fed them well with the bread he made himself. And they always provided good entertainment, complementing each other.

One spring, when the first leaves appeared on the trees after a long, cold winter, the giant invited his friends to settle near his house. The invitation was accepted and as soon as the last frost was gone, the first houses started appearing near the giant’s house. The moment the houses were finished, one of the companions spoke out, “Menesk, now that we are settled here, it just occurred to me that we never asked you how you named your place?”

Menesk’s eyes bulged out. A big guy seemed to be shrinking in size now, with blushing cheeks and shy smile his lips were tight as not wanting to escape a word. “I never thought about it,” the giant admitted reluctantly after what seemed like a long awkward moment.

“No worries,” Rushed another friend to the rescue suggesting, “How about naming the settlement after our good friend, who invited us here?”

“Yeah!” Cheered the rest.

“How about naming the settlement Minsk?” Continued the friend.

“Yeah!” Another cheer. So it was decided right there and then that their new place would be called Minsk.

With time the new settlement composed of the circle of friends became known as a safe one, attracting new people. With more time, it grew into a village, then into a small town and now into a big city.

Ljubljana's Legend of Mythological Hero Jason

In Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, a special bridge crosses the Ljubljanica River. The bridge is quite special due to its architectural achievement. When it was built, there were not too many bridges built in concrete. The bridge was decorated with balustrades and four metal dragon statues; two on each side, facing those who dare to enter the bridge. Each dragon stands gloriously with the wings spread out and the muzzle opened, almost making a statement as, “Do not dare to cross the bridge.” But is it so? The legend may give you a hint.

A very long time ago, in the ancient times, there was a hero named Jason. He grew up in the mountains densely covered with trees. His home was a cave that gave shelter to him and his guardian. Jason was taught how to pick the fruits of the forest and how to be quick on his feet and with his bow and arrow, quicker than any animal.

When the youth grew to be strong, swift and brave, his guardian recognized it was time for him to come out of the mountains and enter the world he was taken away from in order to be protected from his evil uncle. As the morning fog settled down and Jason appeared between two trees with his hands full of blackberries, his guardian patted a big stone next to him, thus inviting Jason to sit down. Then he spoke, “There is something I must tell you.” And he told him the story of his father and uncle, adding, “Now you’re a strong man and you know how to protect yourself. It is time for you to go back to your father’s land and face your uncle. You’re destined for greatness and may you achieve it.” As the guardian spoke the last words, shortly after he disappeared.

Upon arriving at the lands of his father, Jason was quickly recognized by his uncle and invited to the palace. The malicious uncle did not invite his nephew in good will. He was concerned how to protect his throne and was planning on something that would keep Jason far away from his place. Jason was aware of his uncle’s cruelty. However, he did not know how tricky he could be.

The richness of the palace had Jason’s full attention. He had never seen walls decorated with pictures, vases filled with colorful flowers or tables fully covered with glittering vessels overflowing with fruits and savory food. He was served wine for the first time, which he drank a bit too much making his head dizzy.

As the night went on and everybody enjoyed good food and company, the evil uncle raised a glass to Jason, “I salute your bravery and strong body. I wished that I had the mind and body as strong as yours, when I was your age. I could have brought home the famous Golden Fleece; the fleece of the gold-hair, which symbolizes authority and kingship.”

The room echoed with, “The Golden Fleece,” as all shouted it out.

Jason with his shaky legs after too much wine had risen and roared, “The Golden Fleece,” and after keeping his balance he added, “I will win it for the city.” And these were the words that his evil uncle wanted to hear as he knew that winning the Golden Fleece was almost impossible. It was well hidden and well protected. And it was too late for Jason to take his word back as he looked at his father’s grave face; he understood that he was tricked by his uncle. To help himself out, he directed his uncle, “I know that I can achieve this task, if you can build me a strong ship and call for all the heroes of the land.” In front of all the gathered, he received his uncle’s promise.

The strongest wood was gathered to build the ship and the strongest men hailed from all the corners of the land. The men, who knew how to handle a ship, a bow, a sword, even a lyre to bring some music; and the men, who had the knowledge of the sun, winds and stars to steer the ship safely. Once the ship was finished, it was named Argo and the heroes, who stepped on its board called themselves the Argonauts.

In the morning, when the first breeze made the waves, they lifted sails and the ship moved into the unknown. It sailed for many days, escaping stormy beaches and getting through rocky passages. It sailed until a view of peaks above the trees appeared shining in the sun. As the ship approached the shore, the Argonauts knew it was the place they were looking for.

It was a land ruled by a king whose daughter was charmed by the first site of Jason. Her name was Medea. She showed them the way to the Golden Fleece and with her powers helped the Argonauts to gain the fleece and transport it to their ship.

On their way back the sails took them through many rivers. One of them, the Ljubljanica River, led them to a lake. It was so wide. It seemed like an open sea. While approaching it, a shadow appeared blanketing their ship and looking up they saw a monstrous bird flying. But it wasn’t a bird. It was a dragon. A ferocious fight broke between the dragon and Jason. With his last strength Jason slayed the dragon.

To commemorate his victorious battle with the dragon, a city was built up the river. As the city grew, its borders shifted outwards beyond the city’s river. Therefore, a bridge was built to cross the river. A bridge, which holds four dragons. Now, knowing the story that the dragon lost the battle, you recognize that you can cross the bridge safely.

As for Jason and his people, they arrived safely at home and Jason became the greatest of the kings of Greece.