Lisine and the Veliki Buk Waterfall

The Place Where Fairies and Dragons Dwell

While enjoying the sight and the soothing sound of the flowing water, can you imagine fairies and dragons around the water? I can, and I have no doubt that this kind of nature has inspired people to tell stories about it and attribute magical properties to it, as well as to firmly believe that it is the home of supernatural beings.

The eastern part of our country is tied to numerous stories about magical creatures, so it was worth investigating this matter. An incredible discovery! Who would have thought that a dragon originated from a carp? Yes, a carp!

Of course, the story of mythical creatures in our region is so complex that it cannot be simply retold, so this is just a brief version. According to the stories, a dragon can originate from different animals, and in some cases, it can take the form of a human, while in other instances, it is depicted as light. They were generally considered positive beings and masters of atmospheric phenomena. Thus, every village could have its dragon, who would defend its territory from misfortune and bring prosperity to the village. According to some stories, a dragon would be born from a carp when it reaches a certain age (about 200 years). Then, the dragon emerges from the river, grows wings, and as it flies away, the sparks flying resemble scales. The dragon typically lives near water, often in an old tree.

But dragons were also believed to sometimes forget their duties as protectors of villages, especially when they transformed into a beautiful man who would “visit” a woman in the village. First, he would appear in her dreams, and then he would descend through the chimney each evening in the form of light, and it was difficult to banish him.

Since the dragon was considered good and a protector, it is no surprise that dragon-like heroes appeared, especially in post-Nemanjić era, when the greatest danger came from the Ottoman Empire, and the people could only believe that such a hero could defend them. For example, the grandson of Đurađ Branković in a folk song was given the nickname “Zmaj Ognjeni” (Fire Dragon) after his great heroism in fighting the Turks. Similarly, the hero of the First Serbian Uprising, Stojan Čupić, was called Zmaj od Noćaja (Dragon of Noćaj) after his victory over the Turks in the Kitog Forest in Mačva.

Where there are dragons, there are also fairies. It is said that the fairies bathe in these waters and that one should not disturb them while they are bathing. There are many stories about fairies, and they vary from region to region in Serbia, as they can inhabit mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. There are also many beliefs about how fairies are born, such as from dew, plants, or by curling into leaves and growing on trees. In any case, they are usually described as beautiful beings whose affection for humans is dual. In this region, it is said that one should not visit the springs as fairies bathe there, and if you disturb them, who knows what they may do if they enchant you.

There are many stories, and I am still discovering and reading them. I sincerely recommend reading more about magical beings in our culture because you will find incredible stories. I suggest starting with the Glossary of Serbian Culture on this website: http://www.pojmovnik.etno-institut.co.rs/.