Folktales of Slovenia

Weathered by war and seasoned by a stalwart people, Slovenia is home to a rich, wonderful culture. Like many cultures, Slovenian citizens use folk tales to cultivate patriotism and explain natural formations and occurrences.

King Matthias (Kralj Matjaz)

While he was revered and loved by his country, King Matthew was hated by his enemies and they conspired against them. When the enemies came, Mount Peca moved to protect and cover King Matthew and his armies. Legend has it that the king and his armies have been in a deep slumber since. When war threats Slovenia again, the king and his army will awake, fight for and save the Slovenian people.

Can you see King Matthias in the mountain?

Giants in the mountains - Ajdi

A mysterious female face discovered in the side of the Mount Prisojnik is explained by the sad end of the Heathen Maiden; a prophetess giant who was turned to stone by white nymphs after she predicted that a young man would kill Goldenhorn, a legendary white chamois and protector of the nymphs.

Can you see the ajdi face in the rock?

Goldenhorn

With bright, gleaming horns, as mentioned above, Goldenhorn is a white chamois or mountain antelope-goat. White nymphs looked after the land between the Valley of Triglav and the Komna plateau which Goldenhorn and his herd lived on. In turn, Goldenhorn and his herd protected the white nymphs. Goldenhorn’s horns were the key to treasure, deep in the mountain which was protected by a serpent with many heads.

In the Trenta Valley below the Komna “Heaven and Earth,” A young hunter was in love with a beautiful young woman. He visited often, brought her flowers and won her heart. One day, a Venice merchant came into town and showered the young woman with gifts, gold and jewelry. When the young hunter tried to claim her, she rejected him. Hurt, he was persuaded by a fellow hunter to seek Goldenhorn in pursuit of the mountain treasure.

The two young hunters found Goldenhorn among the high, sleep cliffs of the Slovenian mountains and tried to kill the animal for his horns. Instead, the hunters wounded him. Goldenhorn fled from the hunters and ate a magical Triglav flower which instantly healed him. Powerfully returning to full strength, Goldenhorn faced the young hunters and charged towards them. The sun gleamed off his horns, into their eyes, blinding them. Sadly, the young hunter lost his balance and fell off the cliff to his death.

Feeling threatened by the Slovenian people, Goldenhorn ripped up all of the mountain flowers and left the mountains bare and rocky. Hence the mountains above the Triglav lakes are bare today.