It was said once in Poland that if someone wandered about in the Tatra Mountains, he had to be careful when after he had climbed up a mountain he came up to some clouds.
If he stood facing them and he saw* for the third time – it did not have to be necessarily the third consecutive time – his shadow on a cloud (the shadow being casted by the sun behind the person), he would eventually die.
*I lay stress on the fact that the tale is not about someone who would be 'spaced out' and who would hallucinate.
That tale is so thrilling! When I go to the Tatras, I will have to keep in mind not to encounter any cloud.
If he stood facing them and he saw* for the third time – it did not have to be necessarily the third consecutive time – his shadow on a cloud (the shadow being casted by the sun behind the person), he would eventually die.
*I lay stress on the fact that the tale is not about someone who would be 'spaced out' and who would hallucinate.
That tale is so thrilling! When I go to the Tatras, I will have to keep in mind not to encounter any cloud.
It is wonderful to read about these tales. I myself once heard of a similar tale from Indonesia where it is believed that magicians can kill a person by stabbing their shadow with a sword.
ReplyDeleteBut in fact I love all tales from Poland, it is such marvelous country with such rich folklore. If I understand correctly you are going to Poland?
Yes, this Sunday I am off to my dear Poland :D This tale from Indonesia is mind-blowing, I like it so much, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Poland has such rich folklore but no one write about it, what a pity! I've been looking for books for years about Polish Folklore and I could only found books about Russian folklore... Someone should gather all the tales and publish a book. Have a good day.