There are legends and tales in every country of the world and also in Romania, which is known for its vampire stories and Dracula. But there are many other tales such as enchanted forests, cursed lakes or ghosts that haunt old buildings. Sometimes stories about unproven events diverge and some consider them hocus-pocus, but warnings from the locals should be heeded.
Legends and Tales
Legends and Tales
Legend of Dracula
Probably the most famous legend in Romania is Dracula. However, it is more of a story that was based on the atrocities committed by Prince Vlad III in the 15th century. The writer Bram Stoker invented the fictional novel character Dracula and was apparently inspired by the Prince of Darkness who, among others, had staked his enemies in war. Vlad III ruled in the 15th century and had the nickname Draculea, a name that today stands for blood-sucking undead. Dracula is the king or supreme of the vampires who go about their business at night in search of fresh blood. Garlic, which can be found in every Romanian house, is still considered protection against vampires. Vlad Tepes is said to have lived in Bran Castle and Poenari Castle, among others, and to have been imprisoned in the dungeons of Hunedoara Castle.
Legends around Hunedoara Castle
Castelul Corvinilor, the historic Corvin Castle, as the castle is also called , is not only very impressive, but here Dracula is said to have been imprisoned in the dungeon. However, the 15th century structure is also a hotspot for ghost hunters today. Another legend says that several prisoners dug the well, which can still be seen today, during their imprisonment with the promise that they would be free afterwards. But they were killed. In one of the walls there is still written the saying “You have water but no soul”. The skeleton of a woman with a nail through her head confirms another legend, according to which a woman in a white robe walks around the castle as a ghost. The ghost has been seen many times and the story attracts ghost hunters from all over the world to Hunedoara in Romania. The castle, Hunedoara Castle is definitely worth a visit, because it is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
Photos
Hunedoara Castle
Fortress Poenari
Bran Castle
Vlad Tepes Dracula
Legends and Tales
Legends about Saint Anna Lake
It is said that the lake (Lacul Sfânta Ana) got its name after a young woman who committed suicide in the lake. She was forced by her parents to marry a man and on the evening of her wedding she went into the lake. Her body was never found. There are also some stories about the chapel on the lake, in the past it is said that festivals with 20,000 believers were celebrated here.
Legends around Hoia Baciu
Hoia Baciu is a beautiful forest area near Cluj Napoca, around which several stories have been told, and where extraordinary phenomena are said to have taken place. Due to numerous tales that are circulating, the forest is now known worldwide. People and animals are said to have disappeared here, UFOs have been sighted and ghosts are also said to have been seen in the Baciu Hoia. The most famous story I was told is about a shepherd who went into the forest with his sheep and was never seen again. You can also see circular places in the forest where there is no vegetation. These are seen as portals to other worlds. UFOs have also allegedly been sighted here. Many locals are also afraid in the forest or get oppressive feelings. Electronic devices are also said to fail here in the forest for no apparent reason.
Legends around Poenari Castle
Today only ruins of the former fortress castle (Cetatea Poenari) of Prince Vlad III (Draculea) can be seen, nevertheless the castle is worth seeing and offers a beautiful view of the region. One of the legends surrounding the castle is about Vlad III’s wife Anastasia, who is said to have jumped down from the tower of the fortress and landed in the river Arges.
Legends around Cincis Lake
Cincis Lake (Lacul Cincis) is a reservoir near the city of Hunedoara and has become a popular recreational area. In the beginning, however, the lake was called a cursed lake by many, because numerous villages fell victim to its flooding. And since not all cemeteries have been evacuated, rumors are still circulating today that monsters and the undead come from the lake. Also, weather phenomena such as sudden storms cannot be scientifically explained. In addition, numerous people have drowned in the lake and their bodies have never been found. When the water level is low, the church spires can also be seen.
Legends around Devil´s Lake (Lacul Dracului)
In front of the lake in the Parcul National Cheile Nerei – Beusnita is warned not to go swimming there. According to a legend, the devil jumped into the lake after losing a bet with a shepherd. Locals also claim that there are underground corridors in the lake area. Despite all the scary stories, the lake is worth seeing and is located in a beautiful nature park.
Legend Palatul Cuza
The beautiful Cuza Palace in the town of Ruginoasa is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dimitri Cuza. He was the son of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza and killed himself in the palace out of unrequited love, after his mistress, not befitting his status, was chased out of the palace by his mother Elena. The palace is well worth seeing and is one of Romania’s historical monuments that should be seen
Legends around Eagle Lake (Lacul Fara Fund)
A lake and a popular destination for hikers, around which there is a legend that in the lake there are valuable things of the inhabitants from the region, which they had hidden there from the attacks of the Tatars. The lake is also called Lacul Vulturilor (Eagle Lake) and is located at an altitude of over 1,400 meters near Chiojdu.
Legends about Retezat National Park
There are also some legends about the area of Retezat National Park. It is said that it was once inhabited by giants, who created some of the lakes. The peak of the mountain is also said to have been formed by a giant’s sword and is called Rezetat. On the top of Piatra Iorgovanului, according to the legend, a seven-headed dragon was killed. You should also see the 2291 meters high peak Varful Gugu, which is also considered the sacred mountain of the Dacians. And there is a legend about the Cascada Lolaia waterfall. It is said that in the past a girl fell at the place of the waterfall, whereupon a deep hole was formed and since then the water masses have been plunging into the depths.
Bigar Waterfall
There is also a legend about this waterfall, so many lovers and couples come here to drink from the waterfall to cement their love for eternity. According to the legend, a boy in love fell into the water and drowned. The girl he loved died a short time after him and after death they were united for eternity!
Orte um Sagen & Legenden
Eerie Places Romania
You’ll find some of Romania’s creepiest places as we go on. There are also legends and reports about paranormal phenomen.
