The Legends of Braies: Magical Tales among the Dolomites
In South Tyrol, every place has a story to tell. And Braies, with its enchanting landscapes and untamed nature, is a true treasure chest of popular legends handed down through the centuries. Among majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and silent forests lie ancient tales of magic, love, mystery, and respect for nature.
The Legend of the Croda Rossa
Once upon a time, in the mountains of Val di Braies, a woman died, leaving her little daughter alone. An old *anguana* — a magical water creature — found her and named her Moltina, raising her among the marmots and even teaching her to speak their language.
Years later, Prince Landrine met Moltina and fell deeply in love with her. He took her to his castle and married her, but the nobles looked at her with suspicion because of her humble origins. During a royal feast, Moltina was humiliated for not knowing her ancestry, and her face turned red with shame.
She fled back to her mountains, which, bound to her spirit, turned red as well. The prince followed her, and together they founded the legendary dynasty of the Kings of Fanes. From that day on, the marmot became the symbol of their lineage.
The Drunkards of Braies
The "Spitzköfel" — two peaks with a curiously tilted shape — are known as “the Drunkards of Braies.” The legend tells that some men, after a night of revelry at the Foresta Alpine Hut, foolishly decided to challenge a small magical man of the Val di Foresta. They mocked him, inviting him to drink with them, but the little man did not take it well.
He came down the chimney in a flash, cast a spell, and turned them into stone. Since then, people say they are still there — motionless, hunched, and bent — punished for their arrogance.
The Bear’s Lake
Before the year 1000, the Braies area was home to many bears. One of them, wounded by shepherds defending their flocks, found relief by bathing every day in a small lake. When the shepherds realized the bear was healing, they decided to ambush him. One day, while the animal was bathing, they caused a landslide to collapse on him. He drowned, and since then the lake has been called “Bear’s Lake” or “Bear’s Bath.”
The Deer’s Spring
This legend tells of a majestic deer that lived in the forests of Old Braies. Despite many attempts by hunters, it always managed to heal from its wounds thanks to a mysterious spring hidden in the woods. One day, a hunter followed it and discovered that it bathed regularly in waters with miraculous powers. Thus was born the “Deer’s Spring,” still remembered in the municipal coat of arms: a deer drinking from a fountain.
A heritage made of stories
These legends are not just bedtime tales but a living part of South Tyrolean culture, a testimony to the deep bond between humans and nature. Walking along the trails of Braies means stepping into an enchanted world, where every rock, tree, and animal has a story to tell.
If you love the Dolomites, nature, and mysteries that smell of fairy tales, Braies will surely enchant you. And who knows — you might even glimpse the red glow of the Croda Rossa or hear, carried by the wind, the voices of ancient legends.