Syn and Vyr Statues at Lake Synevyr, Ukrainian Legend

In the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine meandering through the gorges, the road leads to one of the most tranquil and beautiful lakes of the country, Synevyr. The lake with its crystal-clear water is surrounded by rare animals and plants.

The view from above from the nearby mountain of the blue lake with a tiny island in the middle, gives you an impression of a blue eye looking at you. While at the bottom, the lake gives you a reflection of two wooden statues standing by its shore, and holding a legend.

 

A long time ago, the lands surrounding the lake belonged to a rich Count. He had only one daughter, named Syn, who was known for her beautiful blue eyes. Every day, the Count would make his regular rounds checking on the woodcutters working for him.

One sunny day, as count was getting ready for one of those rounds, his daughter stated “Wouldn’t it be lovely to spend this nice day together.” So the plan was made; they would walk together to the site and while the Count was checking on the workers, the daughter would wander on her own for a little bit.

While Syn was admiring the beauty of the spruce trees, all of a sudden she heard the most charming melodies carried toward her by the delicate breeze. She followed the melody, which led her to a peaceful pasture land on which shepherd Vyr was playing on his flute. The boy startled by the girl stopped playing suddenly. “Oh, please, don’t be bothered by me” said Syn “I’d love to listen for a little bit longer, and then I have to go back.” Before Syn left, she promised to come back.

The meetings between Syn and Vyr became more frequent. When the Count found out about them, he was not happy. He made a decision to put an end to this relationship. The Count ordered his servant to roll a huge boulder down the mountain.

One day, as Vyr was peacefully awaiting Syn playing on his flute, the boulder rolled down unexpectedly. As Syn cheerfully was approaching the meeting place, she saw a huge boulder in its place. Once she realized what has just happened, she cried her eyes out. The tears rolled down as a tiny stream of water to the edge of the forest until a lake formed. The Syn disappeared herself.

The lake is of the blue color as Syn’s eyes and the small island in the middle of the lake, is where boulder covered Vyr. The names were combined giving the name to the lake, Synevyr.