The Maiden’s Mountain – A Magical Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Legends
Once upon a time, in a distant land nestled amidst towering hills and lush forests, there lived a girl whose beauty rivaled the very wonders of nature. She was named Nora, born into the wealthiest and most influential family in the village of Polis. Her golden hair shimmered like rays of the sun, her skin was as soft and pale as polished marble, and her lips, a perfect shade of crimson, seemed sculpted by the gods themselves.
But Nora was no ordinary maiden of luxury. Instead of basking in riches, she found her joy deep in the woods that surrounded her home, playing with the animals, climbing trees, and listening to the whispers of the leaves. She loved the mountain that stood proudly behind the village, a place she considered her fortress and her spirit’s sanctuary.
Yet, this was no ordinary mountain. Shaped like a great green mouth, the mountain harbored a mystical secret—it could speak, but only to Nora. When she sat by the shadowy hole that formed the mountain’s mouth, it would share ancient tales of warriors, battles, and lost souls.
“Why do you have only a mouth and no arms or legs?” little Nora once asked.
The mountain chuckled and replied, “Because all things good or bad begin with words. I don’t need limbs to see the world—the world comes to me.”
Every story the mountain shared made Nora feel more connected to the land, and she grew up cradled in its legends and magic.
The Oracle’s Prophecy
On her eighteenth birthday, Nora awoke to the gentle kiss of the morning sun. She wore her new pink dress and descended to the kitchen, where a grand breakfast awaited. Her parents greeted her warmly, bearing gifts.
First, her father presented her with a music box. When she opened it, she gasped—inside, a miniature mountain with a singing girl beside it. It was a reflection of her secret mountain, rendered in delicate craftsmanship. Overwhelmed, Nora burst into tears of joy.
Then her mother gave her a small red box. Out sprang a tiny figure—the oracle named Destiny, a mystical creature who lived only twenty-four hours after revealing a human’s fate.
“Listen closely,” Destiny whispered. “You will soon fall in love with a man who will sacrifice his life for you. Together, you shall become the legend of the mountain.”
Stunned, Nora sat frozen, her breath caught in her throat. The oracle, sensing the weight of its words, offered a sympathetic glance before vanishing into the garden, its prophecy delivered.
The Encounter of Love
Later that day, Nora wandered into the forest, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She heard rustling and heavy grunts—curious, she followed the sounds until she saw a young man struggling to pull a cart of firewood up a steep path. His hands were calloused, his brow damp with sweat, yet his presence was noble in its simplicity.
Their eyes met—silent, profound, and intense. It was as if their souls had recognized each other. Without a word, they fell in love. His name was Eron, a humble woodcutter, whose poverty contrasted sharply with Nora’s wealth.
Every day, they met at the mountain’s mouth, listening to its tales and weaving dreams of a life together. But soon, rumors spread in the village about the rich maiden consorting with a poor woodcutter. Nora’s proud father, enraged by the gossip, forbade the relationship. Yet, he offered a cruel challenge:
“If the boy can carry you on his back to the very peak of the mountain, he may have your hand in marriage.”
Nora and Eron accepted without hesitation, their hearts alight with hope. The entire village gathered to witness the climb.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The mountain’s slope was steep and treacherous. Eron, with Nora on his back, ascended with determination, his breath heavy, his muscles aching. Nora whispered words of encouragement, her love fuelling his strength.
Finally, they reached the summit. Eron raised his head to the sky, a triumphant smile on his face—but then he collapsed. His heart, worn from the strain, had given out.
Nora cried out in anguish, her scream echoing through the forest. Refusing to leave him, she carried his lifeless body to the mountain’s mouth. Without hesitation, she leapt inside with him, vanishing into the darkness.
From that day forward, the mountain’s mouth closed, silent forevermore. The villagers, touched by their tragic love, named it “The Maiden’s Mountain”. It is said that if you pass by quietly, you can still sense the lingering fragrance of their love, carried by the wind.
✅ Moral of the Story
True love knows no barriers of wealth, status, or pride. When love is pure, it lives on as a legend, inspiring generations to believe in sacrifice, devotion, and eternal unity.