In the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, a shepherd named Ion tended his flocks among wildflowers and wind. He was known for his flute — its voice could charm birds from the sky and bring tears to even the wolves.
He was betrothed to Maria, a girl whose laughter carried through the valley like bells. They planned to wed in the spring, beneath the old oak by the stream.
But winter came early that year, fierce and hungry. Wolves descended, and the mountains whispered warnings: Something stirs that is not wind.
One evening, a stranger approached Ion’s fire — a tall man cloaked in frost.
“I am the Spirit of Winter,” the stranger said, “and I hunger for music. Play for me, shepherd, and I shall let your flock live.”
Ion lifted his flute and played a tune so pure it stilled the storm.
When he finished, the Spirit sighed. “You have played beauty from breath itself. As reward, I offer a gift — or a test.”
He drew from his cloak a crystal tear. “This will grant your beloved eternal life — but only if your promise to her never breaks.”
Ion took it, bowed, and watched as the Spirit vanished into snow.
Winter passed. Spring returned. The wedding came, bright with flowers and laughter. But as Ion placed the crystal tear around Maria’s neck, thunder rolled.
From the woods emerged a band of brigands, hungry for coin and cattle. Ion fought them off, but one struck him down with a blade.
As he fell, Maria wept — but her tears turned to snowflakes. The crystal around her neck glowed, and Ion’s body turned to stone.
The Spirit of Winter appeared once more. “He kept his promise even in death. So he shall guard you forever.”
Today, travelers through the Carpathians speak of a stone shepherd standing on a cliff, watching the valleys below. When the wind blows right, a flute’s melody can be heard echoing through the mountains — the song of Ion, still keeping his vow.
Moral of the Story
True love endures beyond life when it is sealed with selfless devotion.
Knowledge Check
- Where did Ion live?
In the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. - Who visited him during winter?
The Spirit of Winter, a supernatural being. - What gift was offered to Ion?
A crystal tear that could grant eternal life. - What condition came with it?
That his promise to Maria remain unbroken. - How did Ion die?
Defending his bride from bandits. - What remains as a symbol of his vow?
A stone shepherd said to watch over the valley eternally.
Origin: Romanian folktale (Carpathian oral tradition)
