In ancient times, when Herzegovina was an untouched land of wild nature and hidden magic, the fairies of Mount Žaba lived amidst its rocky peaks—creatures of otherworldly beauty. Their appearance was like a dream: their hair, golden as sunbeams, carried the scent of wildflowers, and they moved as lightly as the wind across the meadows. Their dresses, woven from mist and adorned with dewdrops, shimmered in the first light of dawn. It is said that the sun would pause its ascent just to witness their dance, while the moon would cast its silver rays to illuminate their nightly revelries.
But the fairies of Mount Žaba were more than symbols of beauty; they were guardians of harmony—between mountains and people, nature and the secrets hidden within the valleys. Deep within the mountain, they had a massive iron ring carved into the rock. A matching ring stood atop Mount Velež. These rings were enchanted, connected by an invisible rope that appeared only at midnight, when the world slept, and the fairies awakened their powers. The rope, spun from golden threads, was their bridge between the two mountains. They glided across it, soaring above rivers and valleys like shadows under the moonlight, leaving behind a trail of glowing light that illuminated Herzegovina’s dark nights.
Legend has it that the fairies traveled this way to exchange secrets, deliver healing herbs from one region to another, and preserve the natural balance of the two mountains.
The villagers spoke of this midnight crossing as a sight one could never forget. In the stillness of the night, when all else was silent, faint harp melodies could be heard—the music of the fairies as they moved across the golden rope. Those brave enough to venture closer swore they heard the fairies singing songs about the mysteries of the mountains, the fleeting nature of time, and the love that binds the world together.
Yet the fairies did more than weave songs and dance. They were protectors of the mountains against evil and misfortune. Once, when men attempted to cut down the forests on the slopes of the mountain, the fairies summoned a mighty storm with their songs. The storm raged for three days and nights, forcing the loggers to flee. It is believed the fairies meant to remind humanity to respect nature and safeguard its beauty.
The legend of the fairies has been passed down through generations, and even today, when the moon shines brightly above Mount Žaba and Mount Velež, some claim to see thin golden threads stretching between the peaks. They say it is a sign that the fairies still watch over their mountains, connecting them with their magical dance and guarding the secrets of Herzegovina.
If you choose to explore Mount Žaba, take a moment to pause, listen to the silence, and let the wind carry its whispers. Perhaps you will hear the faint melody of a harp or feel the breath of ancient magic that still lingers in this land.
And perhaps, like the storytellers of old, you will carry a piece of the legend with you—ensuring that the tale of the fairies will never fade into oblivion.
