Speleolog, Vol. 72 No. 1, 2024.
Stručni rad
Fairy caves in Konavle region
Jelena Beželj
Sažetak
Konavle and the surrounding area of Dubrovnik are rich in folklore and mythology. The older locals still recall stories told by their ancestors about the lorko, witches, or fairies, but younger generations are not familiar with this kind of tradition. Among the mythical creatures, fairies are the most present in the region, and almost every village in Konavle has a fairy habitat, such as a cave, cliff, or valley. One interpretation for why fairies have their caves, rather than some more terrifying creature, stems from the belief that fairies were the daughters of dragons. In Konavle, the caves Šipun and Eskulap (Aesculapius) are known for being dragons’ homes. According to legend, the dragon Boaz lived in Šipun, and was defeated by Saint Ilar, while in Eskulap, there was a serpent/dragon of the Roman god of medicine, Aesculapius.
Since only one fairy cave in Konavle has been explored until now, and literature suggests there are more than ten, the members of Speleological Section of the Croatian Mountaineering Club “Sniježnica”, through today’s oral accounts and articles written in the 20th century, were able to identify and document nine fairy caves in Konavle and three in Čajkovići: Vilina Kamara, Vignje; Vilina Kamara 2, Vignje; Vilena Jama, Popovići; Vilina Pećina, Pridvorje; Zvonica, Lovorno; Sušilova, Vitaljina; Vilina Pećina, Pločice; Vilina Kuća, Zastolje; Vilina Peć, Dunave; Prva Vilina, Čajkovići; Druga Vilina, Čajkovići; Treća Vilina, Čajkovići. Another site called Vilina Pećina was found in the village of Bani in Konavle, but it turned out not to be a speleological object. The number of fairy sites has significantly increased. However, it is certainly not final, as there are still many unresolved sites, such as Vilina Jama and Vilina Kuća in Čilipi, Vilini Dvori in Butkovina, Vilina Pećina in Molunat, and others.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
329409
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.3.2025.
Posjeta: 565 *