There are many Bulgarian legends that captivate the imagination. Legends about voivodes, mystical creatures, known and unknown places - our homeland with its rich folklore is a source of interesting stories that are passed on by word of mouth over the years. In this article we from @Feel Bulgaria we tell you about 5 of them that grabbed our attention. Here they are:
The legend of the Devil's Bridge over the Arda River
The beautiful bridge over the Arda River is associated with many interesting legends and traditions. The most interesting and widespread legend about this mystical and beautiful place whispers that at the time when the sultan ordered a bridge to be built on the site for 40 days, no master wanted to start the visibly impossible task… Until the day when master Dimitar from the neighboring village / now the town of Nedelino / decided to take on the task. And despite the doubts and distrust of the people, he managed to build a bridge in just 40 days. He died soon after, and no one knew the secret of how exactly this happened. There were rumors among the locals that in the bridge the master built the shadow of a beautiful girl from the village, who brought him water and in whom he fell in love.
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According to folk beliefs
at that time, in order for the construction to be sound, the shadow of a girl was "embedded" in it, who gave her soul and then faded and died. Legend has it that one night Satan appeared to Master Dimitar and whispered to him that he would reveal an unknown secret to him so that the bridge would last forever. The devil, however, set conditions - the standing to be ready within 40 days and in the bridge to be embodied his image, so that it is both visible and invisible, to be able to touch without being material. If Master Dimitar did not fulfill these conditions, the Devil would take away their souls - his and his beloved's. The master worked around the clock and to the surprise of Satan fulfilled all his conditions within 40 days. The devil did not take their souls, but soon after the master remembered and took the devil's secret of construction with him to the afterlife.
The tomb of Bastet in Strandzha
Strandzha is probably the most mystical mountain in Bulgaria. And one of the most captivating legends associated with Strandzha is that of the tomb of the Egyptian goddess Bastet. Legends whisper that at the foot of the highest peak in the Bulgarian part of Strandzha - Gradishte, there is a pyramid. In it is buried the goddess with a cat's head - Bastet. Mystics claim that the tomb was built in the 8th century BC and was covered with tons of earth and pieces of rock to hide. The thousands of slaves who built the sanctuary of the deity were slaughtered to the ground so as not to spread the sacred secret. Huge knowledge of the earth, space and the origin of mankind is locked in Bastet's sarcophagus.
The gold of Valchan Voyvoda
A legend of untold riches, which to this day captivates the minds of treasure hunters and dreamers of getting rich quick. A fearless bandit, adamant in his decisions, Valchan Voyvoda led a company in the area of Strandzha and Stara Planina. Legend has it that Valchan Voyvoda and his party amassed innumerable wealth with which they hoped to free Bulgaria from the Turkish yoke. There are legends in different parts of the country about caves full of gold collected by Valchan Voyvoda, but to this day there is no evidence that anything has been discovered…
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Karakonjuli, fairies and gins
Bulgaria is a country rich in different ethnicities and religions. Bulgarian legends and myths are intertwined with beliefs and creatures related to different religions. Many things were believed in the past and people considered them everyday. For example, it was believed that if after sunset your loved one appeared outside and asked you something, do not answer - it could be karakonjur! He wants to learn your voice, and then appear with your face in front of your loved ones to harm them.
Fairies or fairies
as can be found in some scriptures are extremely beautiful forest spirits or girls who lured young men with their songs and gentle voice. Certain legends say that fairies are disembodied and invisible beings and only certain people can see them. Fairies are believed to jealously base their hideouts, and in the past people have avoided going to areas that are said to be inhabited by fairies. Evidence of this are the many places throughout Bulgaria with names such as "Samodivka Polyana", "Samodivski Kladenets" and others.
The wall is a mythical creature
“Connected with the folklore of the Bulgarian-Mohammedans. According to their legends, it is an evil spirit or gin that comes to the beds of its victims at night and suffocates them. Horror survivors say they are bedridden without the ability to move or catch their breath. The presence is so strong and inexplicable that the victims of this sinister event are horrified to tell about the experience. In such cases, the help of a hodja is sought to help drive away the demon.
Legends of Belintash
Ancient Thracian sanctuary, which according to legend has become a pier of Noah's Ark… This is Belintash - a mystical place associated with many legends and myths. Located in the Rhodopes, the Belintash rock massif is located 30 km southeast of the town of Asenovgrad. People claim that incredible energy is felt there, strange flying objects are often observed, mystical phenomena are described. On Belintash, compasses go crazy and people claim that the snow melts as soon as it touches the surface of the rocks… An amazing place associated with legends, which you can visit today…
SEE MORE:
Energy places in Bulgaria
3 places shrouded in legends and mysteries in Bulgaria
Legends about the Thracians and the Besis
1 Comment
Legends about samodives are one of the most interesting in folk mythology and are found in many places around Bulgaria.