Princess Lera of Chiojdu

There was once an emperor who lived in the Chiojd Valley, in those peaceful times when harmony and tranquility reigned, the enchanting scent of jasmine, imperial lilies in combination with the queen of the night and gorgeous roses. Dreamy gardens, sprawling meadows and dense shade. Back then all life lived in harmony and there was nothing to spoil this dreamy peace.
This emperor was so good-hearted that he was incapable of harming even an insect. He had a daughter whom he had brought up alone, for the Empress had died when the girl was born. Legend has it that it was the dedication with which he had raised the girl that had enriched his soul.
The princess’s name was Lera, and she was a beauty. With blonde curls, eyes like the blue of heaven and a gentle face, Lera was a gentle and unblemished being. She spent her time in the garden with her friends, the rabbits, nightingales, deer, squirrels and all the other forest creatures. They frolicked all day with her in the sunny meadows while Lera enjoyed every moment. Her favourites were honey and raspberries, and it was the cold spring water that lured her to a spot at the bottom of a valley.
In one of her usual romps through the glades, Lera approached the usual stream. A handsome young man suddenly appeared before her, leaving her speechless with wonder. The boy’s name was Cătun and he lived in a village further down the valley. That day, Cătun had lost some sheep and had set off in search of them. When he saw the girl, he was almost glad he had lost the animals because now he had the chance to meet Lera.
Cătun and the princess have not been separated since that day. They always met in a different place so that others would not find out about their relationship. Only the creatures of nature witnessed their love. Lera feared that the emperor would not accept the idea of his much-loved daughter going to her home and leaving him. But that wasn’t their only worry!
In the forest lived a mischievous shepherd who took revenge on everyone for no reason. He would appear when you least expected it, set fire to birds’ nests, burn meadows just to do harm. When he appeared in the village, people would chase Colânu away, for that was his name, hitting him with stones or throwing clubs after him. He was known for his unnatural wickedness, but people shunned him. But Lera caught Colânu’s attention and he decided to keep it to himself even if it meant getting rid of Cătun for good. Colânu decided to poison him, but he knew he was stronger and more cunning than he was, so he needed to trick him. He finally found a way, and when Cătun wanted to drink the water from the spring, he fell like a dry heap into Lera’s arms.
The girl screamed for help but there was no one to hear her. Cătun did not flinch, but stayed there cold forever. People named that place Cătun, in memory of the boy. There is also a village hearth with the same name.
Lera withdrew to a spot on a rock to weep bitter tears. Colânu, who was chasing her, tried to catch her, but the princess decided to throw herself off the rock. That place became Piatra Lerei, and the stream that was formed from the girl’s wistful tears is today called Gârla Lerei.
Colânu was cursed by Lera before she threw herself off the rock. She wanted loneliness to eat him and turn him to stone on the spot. Colânu was touched by this curse and shuddered. Today there is Colânu, a lonely rock, left to the winds and of course the rains.

Source: www.dinbuzau.ro