Long ago, before churches crowned the hills of Macedonia, there was a lake so deep and clear it reflected both sky and underworld. The people called it Ohrid, believing it guarded the border between the living and the spirits below.
Each spring, when the snow melted from the mountains, the lake swelled — and from its depths rose Zmey Ohridski, the dragon guardian of the waters. His scales shone blue as glaciers, his eyes burned with ancient wisdom.
He was not cruel, but proud, and he demanded an offering each year: one pure white goat, left at dawn on the stone pier.
For centuries, the people obeyed. But one year, a greedy nobleman named Marko of Prespa declared, “I’ll not waste a goat on superstition. The lake is mine to fish as I please.”
That night, lightning struck his mansion. The fields flooded, and the fish turned to stone. The villagers fled to the hills, crying to the local priest for help.
Among them was Ana, a shepherd’s daughter, whose courage outshone her fear. “If pride brought this curse,” she said, “then humility must end it.”
She gathered wildflowers, a jar of milk, and her father’s last white goat, and she walked alone to the lake at dawn.
Mist hung thick, and the water glowed faintly blue.
“Great one,” she whispered, kneeling at the edge, “forgive our arrogance. Take what is yours, and bless our home again.”
The lake shuddered. A great head rose from the depths, water cascading from horns like silver rain.
“I have guarded this place since the first mountain rose,” said the dragon. “Why should I forgive humans who forget the old pacts?”
Ana trembled but met his gaze. “Because we remember again now. Take the offering, but let your anger sleep.”
The dragon studied her. Then, with a rumbling sigh, he drank the milk, bowed to the goat, and slid back into the water.
The storm clouds broke. Sunlight touched the lake, and fish leapt once more.
When the villagers returned, they found Ana asleep by the shore, unharmed. From that day forward, the people of Ohrid offered flowers instead of goats each spring — symbols of peace between dragon and man.
And they say that when dawn mist curls over the water, the shape of wings still rises within it — not in threat, but in silent guardianship.
Moral of the Story
Old covenants with nature should not be forgotten. True power lies in respect, not defiance.
Knowledge Check
- Where does this story take place?
At Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. - Who was Zmey Ohridski?
The dragon guardian of the lake’s waters. - What mistake did the nobleman make?
He refused the annual offering, angering the dragon. - Who restored peace?
Ana, a humble shepherd’s daughter. - What replaced the goat as tribute?
Flowers, offered each spring. - What lesson does the story teach?
That respect for old traditions sustains harmony with nature.
Origin: Macedonian folktale (Lake Ohrid region)
