Legend of King Laurin and his Rose Garden

Northern Italy borders with the great mountain range called Alps. The Italian Alps are called Dolomites due to the type of rock that dominates there. Within Dolomites, there is a massif called Rosengarten (rose garden), which holds a legend of King Laurin and his Rose Garden.

In ancient times when giants and dwarfs populated the Alpine valleys the dwarf King Laurin reigned inside the mountain which we now call the Rosengarten (‘rose garden’). He owned vast treasures though his most important possession was a magic hat which rendered him invisible. Laurin’s pride and joy was a magnificent garden in front of the gateway to his fortress within the rock. Countless red roses flowered there the whole year round and they were encompassed by a golden thread of silk. Anybody who dared to break the thread and pick even a single rose, Laurin threatened to chop off his left hand and right foot.

One day Laurin caught sight of a beautiful blond Princess Simhild in a neighboring castle. He fell in love and abducted her with the help of his magic hat. From then on, Simhild lived in Laurin’s mountain kingdom surrounded by gold, silver and precious stones, served and guarded by petite maidens of court and dwarf knights. In spite of such riches and luxury, Simhild was sad and was homesick for the flowery meadows of her home.

Grief and horror reigned in her brother Dietlieb’s castle. While searching for his sister Dietlieb met Dietrich of Bern, King of the Goths. Dietrich joined Dietlieb and the two parties set off for King Laurin’s realm. Dietrich marveled at the luxuriant roses enclosed by a golden thread, though his companions broke the thread and trampled on the roses. The furious Laurin charged at them on his white pony demanding the offender’s hand and foot. An unequal fight ensued. Initially Laurin was able to protect himself with his magic cap. However, the knights could tell where Laurin was by the movement of the roses. One of them unhorsed him and in falling Laurin’s magic hat fell off. He lay on the ground helpless and pleaded for his life. Shackled, he was forced to lead the victors into his kingdom where Simhild was set free.

Laurin invited Dietrich and his retinue to a banquet. When all had eaten and drunk, a thousand dwarfs suddenly fell upon them and Dietrich and his company were shackled and locked up in the darkest part of the kingdom. Dietrich was so angry at this insidious deed that he summoned inhuman power to break open the irons and freed his men. They broke open all the locks and doors and assailed Laurin’s unsuspecting dwarfs. Finally they succeeded in capturing the dwarf king. The glory of the dwarf kingdom had come to an end. The manacled king uttered a curse to destroy his rose garden. Neither the bright day nor the dark night should ever again see the magnificence of the roses. Only barren, pale rocks should remain. But Laurin forgot to include the twilight between day and night. For this reason, under certain conditions the pale mountains glow red at sunset.

Source: http://www.suedtirol.info/en/Destinations--Things-To-Do/Culture--Sights/Legends--Mystical-Places/detail/8d2a66d8-191b-4acb-83fe-c8f10f19f5db/-The-legend-of-King-Laurin-and-his-rose-garden.html

Catalonian Legend of St. George's Day

Catalonia is an area in the North East part of Spain. The city of Barcelona is part of that region. Barcelona’s most romantic day of the year is St. George’s Day (Sant Jordi), which happens on April 23^rd. The legend will explain.

Once upon a time, a terrible dragon terrorized the inhabitants of a small village in Catalonia. The dragon crated chaos among the population, consuming the animals until there were none left out on the pasture.

To calm the dragon's anger, the inhabitants of the village decided to sacrifice one person every day, chosen by drawing lots. Each day a person was provided to the dragon as a sign of people’s good will.

However, one dark day, the person chosen to be sacrificed was the king's daughter. Just when she was about to be swallowed up by the dragon, a courageous knight appeared and confronted the evil beast. This was Saint George. He thrust his lance into the dragon. Out of the blood that spurted forth grew a red rose bush. Since then, it has been the custom in Catalonia to present a rose to a loved one.

Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, as well as England and other countries, became the symbol of Catalonia during the Renaixença, a nineteenth century political and cultural movement that sought to reclaim the symbols of Catalan identity.

                                                              Sculpture of Saint George

Source: http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-events-articles/104-sant-jordi-day-barcelona 

Legend of Charlemagne - Founder of Andorra

 Andorra is one of the smallest nations in Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 1,023 meters (3,356 ft). A legend has it that Charlemagne founded Andorra.

In a year of 711, a storming force from North Africa crossed the Mediterranean sea landing in Europe. The Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula began. However, the people of the Iberian Peninsula went around about their daily activities not thinking much about the approaching vessels as they were similar to trading vessels. The ones they did business with on a regular basis. After realizing what was happening, they fled to the hills in hope that it was just a temporary attack. But as it turned out the Moors had more in mind than just a temporary attack. The army conquered one town after another moving towards the north.

Charles the Great, the ruler of the Frankish Kingdom, today’s France, was not going to give his lands so easily. He put a strong fight against the Moors with the help from the inhabitants living in the Pyrenees Mountains. In return Charles founded Andorra for the inhabitants of those lands.

The Moorish invasion lasted for over seven centuries until 1492, which collided with the year when Christopher Columbus discovered America.

Luxembourg's Legend of a Mysterious Maiden Melusine

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It is dominated by hills and low mountains with many rivers. One of them, Alzette River, holds a legend of a mysterious maiden Melusine.

Mélusine is said to have been the wife of the founder of Luxembourg, Count Siegfried. When they married, she requested Siegfried to leave her alone for one full day and night every month, and that he should not ask or try to find out what she was doing. Siegfried accepted this wish, and all went well for years. On the first Wednesday of the month, Mélusine would retire into her chambers in the "casemates", a network of caverns underneath the city, not to be seen again until early light on Thursday.
But one day, Siegfried's curiosity got the better of him. Wondering what his wife might be doing alone all the time, he peeped through the keyhole, and was shocked to see that Mélusine was lying in the bathtub, with a fishtail hanging over the rim. Realizing that her husband had come to know the truth about her, she jumped out of the window into the river Alzette below, never to be seen again. Every now and then, people claim to have seen a beautiful girl's head pop out of the river, and a fishtail rippling the calm waters of the river Alzette.

Source: http://luxembourgish.blogspot.com/2006/11/mysterious-maiden-mlusine.html

 

Liechtenstein's Legend of Three Sisters

Liechtenstein is a tiny country, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, and the only country to lie entirely in the Alps. Much of its terrain is mountainous with many rocks. And among those rocks, there are three huge rocks, which hold a legend.

On the Feast of the Assumption (15 August), three sisters went up to Gafadura above the village of Planken to pick berries. As they walked along the path they heard the sounds of the church bells announcing the holy feast and calling worshippers to church. One of the sisters suggested they should also go to church, but the other two replied that the baskets had to be full of berries before they returned to the village.

Towards the end of the afternoon the baskets were full and the three sisters headed back home. On their way they met a beautiful woman who asked them for some berries. The sisters were reluctant to give her any and replied that people who want berries should pick them themselves. All of a sudden, a halo appeared around the head of the woman and she spoke to them, "You have dishonored my holy day and refused my request. Your hearts are of stone. Therefore, as punishment, you shall be turned to stone and remain here forever." Upon saying that, the sisters were transformed into huge rocks, which from that day on became known as the Three Sisters.

 

Source: http://www.tourismus.li/en/culture-cuisine/Liechtenstein-legends-fables/Lichtenstein-fables/fable-1.html

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.