Welcome to the World of Legends of the Agordine Dolomites

Explore a heritage of stories passed down from generation to generation, where the majesty of the mountains intertwines with popular imagination. Discover the most famous legends and lesser-known tales that bring the Agordine Dolomites to life, divided by geographical area for easy navigation.

The Legends of the Agordina Valley

The Agordina Valley, the heart of the Dolomites, holds fascinating stories that narrate the birth of its villages and the deeds of mysterious creatures.

• The Legend of Agordo: Where the Waters Parted: Discover how a divine intervention gave rise to the name of the village, in a place where a lake once extended.
• The Legend of the White Snake: The Defeat of the Serpent: An epic tale of liberation from a serpent infestation in the San Lucano Valley, thanks to the cunning of a sorcerer.
• The Fire of Agordo: A City in Flames: The memory of a devastating fire in 1635, passed down through the centuries.
• The Ghost of the Torresella: A Lament in the Storm: The tragic story of Giovanni Antonio Crotta and his tormented spirit said to wander in the Torresella of Agordo.
• El Mazarol: The mythological figure of a man dressed in red who lives in the woods and teaches the art of cheesemaking.

The Legends of the Val Biois

The Val Biois, with its enchanted valleys and imposing peaks, is the setting for legends that speak of dragons, spirits of nature, and tragic loves.

• The Legend of the Dragon of Monte Pape: The Fiery Breath of Dawn: A hidden dragon whose fiery breath colors the dawns over the Val Biois.
• El Ganbaretol: The Mischievous Spirit of the Woods: A mischievous imp who dwells in the Val di Gares and punishes drunkards.
• King Ombro and Ombretta: A Petrified Love: The sad story of a king, his daughter, and a broken love against the backdrop of the Marmolada.
• San Lucano and Beata Vaza: Faith and Miracles in the Valley: The deeds of a saint and a blessed woman who left an indelible mark on the Val Biois.
• El Pez de la Madoneta: A popular tale of a sacred image found in an inaccessible place.
• L'Auz: A legend of the Val Biois for which specific details are not provided.
• L'Om Salvarech: A wild and benevolent being who lives in the forests.

The Legends of Alleghe and the Civetta Group

The evocative landscape of Alleghe, dominated by the majestic Civetta, is shrouded in legends of dragons, natural catastrophes, and mysterious presences.

• The Legend of Lake Alleghe: A Submerged Past: The story of the lake's formation in 1771 following a landslide and the rumors of a submerged village.
• The Legend of the Dragon of Coldai: The Silent Guardian of the Lake: An invisible dragon that watches over the waters of Lake Coldai, a presage of difficult times.
• The Legend of the Civetta: The Owl Mountain or a City of Stone? The different origins of the name of this iconic mountain.

The Legends of Monte Pelmo

Monte Pelmo, with its unmistakable shape, is at the center of a legend that directly links it to the creation of the world.

• The Legend of Monte Pelmo – “El Caregon del Padreterno” (God the Father's Throne): It is said that God himself shaped Pelmo to rest after creating the Dolomites.

Other Lesser-Known Legends of the Agordino Area

Explore further gems of Agordino folklore, tales that reveal traditions, beliefs, and the magic of this land.

• Selva di Cadore – The Legend of Forcella Forada: A Farmer's Prayer: The story of a vow made during a storm in the mountains.
• The Legend of the Kingdom of Aurona: An Underground Realm of Riches: A kingdom hidden in the depths of the mountain, accessible by a golden door.
• The Legend of Passo Falzarego: The Pass of the False King: The origin of the pass's name linked to the betrayal of a king of the Kingdom of Fanes.
• Amanita Muscaria: The Mutable Reputation of a Mushroom: The story of a mushroom with psychoactive properties, once used and then demonized.
• La Donaza and il Donazìn: A tale of fantastic creatures and their disturbing habits.
• La Caza Selvarega: A spectral nocturnal hunt of damned souls.
• The Legend of the Val de Nagher: An enchanted valley inhabited by spirits of nature.
• The Legend of the Larch Tree: The romantic origin of a tree symbolic of eternal love.
• The Legend of the Ondine (Water Nymphs): Female spirits linked to the waters of the Dolomites.
• The Legend of the Edelweiss: A prince, the moon, and the birth of a flower.
• The Legend of the Church of Selva di Cadore – El Pien Darè (The Stone Behind): The miraculous construction of a church.
• The Legend of the Small Church of Digoman: A sign of popular devotion.
• Il canto segreto della Pelna (The Secret Song of the Pelna): A legend of Valiate that tells of a delicate spirit and a sacrifice.
• Le Masiere di Vedana: A tale of pilgrims, a screaming rock, and the underground hell.
• El Zerkantón e la levina de la Fava: The pranks of a mischievous character.
• La Madonna della neve e il ghiacciaio della Marmolada (Our Lady of the Snow and the Marmolada Glacier): A legend that links a divine figure to the formation of the glacier.
• Crodères – I figli delle rocce (The Children of the Rocks): Beings with hearts of stone who resist human intrusion.
• Samblana, la Regina delle nevi (Samblana, the Snow Queen): A queen, mountains of glass, and a magic stone.
• The Legend of King Laurin and the Rose Garden: The origin of the "enrosadira," the color of the Dolomites at sunset.
• The Legend of the Pale Mountains: A prince, a lunar princess, and the silvery light of the Dolomites.
• The Legend of the Nymph of Lake Carezza: A wizard, a rainbow, and the colors of an enchanted lake.
• The Legend of the Dolls of Latemar: Wooden dolls that transform into young girls.
• The Legend of the Giant of Nova Ponente: A good giant and his abandonment of the valley.
• The Legend of Lake Braies: A hidden treasure and the creation of a lake.
• The Legend of Lake Misurina: A capricious child and a father's sacrifice.
• The Legend of the White Lady of the Marmolada: A protective figure who appears on the mountain.
• La notte di San Nicolò (Saint Nicholas' Night): The Agordino tradition of Saint Nicholas' visit.

Recurring Themes and Motifs

The legends of the Agordine Dolomites are rich in universal themes and recurring motifs that reflect the culture and worldview of the mountain people.

• The Interaction between Humans and Nature: A relationship of respect, fear, and wonder towards the alpine environment.
• Mythical Creatures and Their Roles: Dragons, elves, dwarves, and witches as forces of nature or personifications of fears and desires.
• Explanations for the Unexplained: The search to make sense of the origins of the landscape and natural phenomena.
• Moral Lessons and Social Commentary: Stories that transmit values, warnings, and reflections on community life.
• The Intertwining of Faith and Folklore: The coexistence of ancient pagan beliefs and the Christian tradition.

Explore the Agordine Dolomites through their Legends

These are just some of the fascinating legends that populate the Agordine Dolomites. Every valley, every mountain, every lake has its story to tell. Immerse yourself in this world of magic and discover the beating heart of this enchanted land.

Geographical Area

Legend

Agordina Valley

• The Legend of Agordo
• The Legend of the White Snake
• The Fire of Agordo
• The Ghost of the Torresella
• El Mazarol

Val Biois

• The Legend of the Dragon of Monte Pape
• El Ganbaretol
• King Ombro and Ombretta
• San Lucano and Beata Vaza
• El Pez de la Madoneta
• L'Auz
• L'Om Salvarech

Alleghe and Civetta Group

• The Legend of Lake Alleghe
• The Legend of the Dragon of Coldai
• The Legend of the Civetta

Monte Pelmo

• The Legend of Monte Pelmo – “El Caregon del Padreterno”

Lesser Known (Agordino)

• Selva di Cadore – The Legend of Forcella Forada
• The Legend of the Kingdom of Aurona
• The Legend of Passo Falzarego
• Amanita Muscaria
• La Donaza and il Donazìn
• La Caza Selvarega
• The Legend of the Val de Nagher
• The Legend of the Larch Tree
• The Legend of the Ondine
• The Legend of the Edelweiss
• The Legend of the Church of Selva di Cadore – El Pien Darè
• The Legend of the Small Church of Digoman
• Il canto segreto della Pelna
• Le Masiere di Vedana
• El Zerkantón e la levina de la Fava
• La Madonna della neve e il ghiacciaio della Marmolada
• Crodères – I figli delle rocce
• Samblana, la Regina delle nevi
• The Legend of King Laurin and the Rose Garden
• The Legend of the Pale Mountains
• The Legend of the Nymph of Lake Carezza
• The Legend of the Dolls of Latemar
• The Legend of the Giant of Nova Ponente
• The Legend of Lake Braies
• The Legend of Lake Misurina
• The Legend of the White Lady of the Marmolada
• La notte di San Nicolò