GREAT THINGS
come to those who subscribe
Find out the latest information, interesting articles and much more…
Menu
Step into the enchanting realm of Croatian forests, where the whispers of ancient trees immediately introduce you to tales of magical beings. These forests are more than providers of practical necessities like shelter, warmth, and sustenance. They hold a rich tapestry of spiritual significance, interwoven with beliefs that have stood the test of time.
Today, we invite you to discover the creatures that inhabit Croatian forests – magical beings beyond our everyday world, just beyond what we can see. Join us as we unravel mysteries from the past, unveiling the enchantment that colors Croatian folklore. Using simple language, we’ll be your guide, making the wonders of this mystical world accessible to all. So, get ready to step into a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary – the magical beings of Croatian forests await.
Meet Huta, a forest fairy with chicken feet from the stories of our ancestors. Hovering among the treetops, Huta watches over the peace and mystery of the forest city. She ensures that the winds and lahors maintain the tranquility. This fairy has a special bond with birds, hopping like a blackbird or thrush on its chicken legs.
Beware, though! If Huta perceives your presence in the shady trees as malicious, it might bewitch you and entangle you with thin quince threads. However, fear not. If you find yourself caught, simply eat and drink on the crossed branches, chant “Huta naa-naa-naa!”. The clearing or path you seek will magically appear.
Interestingly, “Huta” is not only the name of this magical creature. It also refers to a hut made of branches and wicker, crafted by children from the Podkalnica region.
Long ago in Podravina, folks believed in Šumske dekle, small women who lived deep in the forest, away from people. These wild creatures were covered in long hair or fur, didn’t wear clothes, had long arms, and didn’t speak like humans.
They only came close to villages when they were really hungry or cold. Many people have shared stories about these wild girls. A famous artist named Ivan Večenaj even wrote a book about them called “Cry of the Wild Girl.” This book was inspired by old tales about the Repaš forest during the time of Ottoman invasions in Podravina.
Legend has it that a guy named Rei-paš and his friends got enchanted by Forest Maidens living in the tops of oak trees. Sadly, they all drowned, and none of them ever came back.
In the Bilogora area, there was a famous demon according to stories passed down by word of mouth. They called him “The Little One with the Red Cap”. He looked like a boy aged five to seven, wearing shorts, an earth-colored coat, and a pointy red cap on his head. This little demon liked to protect old traditions and made sure people didn’t work on Sundays and holidays.
Legend has it that he also owned the dairy. Every detail about the cows was written in his book, and nobody was allowed to “cowash” without his permission to get more milk. If someone dared to do it without asking, he would cast a spell on the cattle, making them give poor-quality milk that nobody wanted to buy.
Rusalkas are creatures from Slavic stories that live in forests and near water like rivers, lakes, and swamps. The name “rusalka” comes from “rusyj,” which means the color of their hair – it can be blue or light brown.
These mystical beings were linked to things like fertility, greenness, and humidity, often seen as the personified forms of natural elements. Rusalkas were thought of as water fairies with long hair. People believed they were the spirits of souls who hadn’t been baptized, or unmarried girls, or those who died by drowning.
Because they were active at night, playful, and sometimes caused harm, rusalkas were seen as having negative traits. However, they were kind to children and helped them in tough times. Wherever rusalkas danced or combed their hair, fields were believed to yield good crops.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget the importance of Croatian and Slavic folklore. These old stories hold the keys to our cultural heritage, reflecting the beliefs and traditions of times long ago. We’re here to bring those forgotten tales back to life, to remind everyone of the magic and wisdom embedded in our past.
Join us on a journey to rediscover the stories that once echoed through Croatia’s hills and forests. If you love mythology and folklore, Croatia is the place to be! Come, explore the enchanting tales of our ancestors. Plan your visit and let the wonders of our folklore transport you to a different time. Croatia awaits, ready to share its mythical stories with those who seek them.
Your CTC Team
GREAT THINGS
Find out the latest information, interesting articles and much more…
Come to Croatia website uses cookies to ensure the best possible user experience. Click on the “Close Cookie Consent” button to agree with cookie policy. You can read all information about cookies at Information about cookies.