Legends From River and Mountain

The narrative unfolds in the Bucegi mountains of Romania, focusing on twin brothers, Andrei and Mirea, who share a deep bond and live in a castle with their mother, Dame Roxana. Their idyllic life is disrupted when they encounter a wild maiden named Urlanda while hunting. Captivated by her spirit, they invite her to their home, where she quickly becomes a cherished companion. As their friendship deepens, both brothers fall in love with her, leading to a tension that threatens their fraternal bond. Dame Roxana observes the growing conflict and fears for her sons' relationship. The brothers, unaware of each other's feelings, each pray for guidance, leading to a fateful decision. Urlanda, realizing her love for both, proposes a dramatic test: she will marry the brother who saves her from a cliff. In a tragic turn, she leaps into the abyss, transforming into a waterfall, while the brothers are turned to stone, forever gazing at the depths below. Dame Roxana, in her grief, joins them as moss, creating a lasting symbol of their love and sacrifice. The story intertwines themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of choices, culminating in a poignant transformation that immortalizes their tale in nature.

By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure · 19 chapters

Contents

• THE JIPI
• THE SERPENT-ISLE
• VÎRFUL CU DOR
• FURNICA
• THE CARAIMAN
• THE STAGS' VALLEY
• THE WITCH'S STRONGHOLD
• PIATRA ARSA ("THE BURNT ROCK")
• RÎUL DOAMNEI ("THE RIVER OF THE PRINCESS")
• THE CAVE OF JALOMITZA
• THE NIXIES' CLEFT
• THE FLYING CASTLE
• THE SILVER NAIL
• A DOUBTING LOVER
• A LEGEND OF WALPURGIS-NIGHT
• SEEKERS AFTER GOLD
• THE MAIDEN'S ROCK
• THE WATER-SNAKE
• THE LITTLE GLASS-MAN

More by Carmen Sylva

• Sweet Hours (1904)
• From Memory's Shrine (1987)
• The Child of the Sun (1987)
• Sorrow (1985)
• The Realm of Peace (1987)
• Earthly Powers (1980)
• The Inexorable (1985)
• Willi (1987)
• All works by Carmen Sylva