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.
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