Slovakia is full of charming old mining towns like Banská Štiavnica, Kremnica, and Špania Dolina. These places were once some of the richest centers of Europe, producing silver, gold, and copper that financed kings and queens. But miners who worked deep underground did not only bring treasures to the surface - they also created a rich world of legends and myths. These stories helped them explain the dangers of mining and gave meaning to their daily struggles.
The Spirit of the Mines:
Permoníci
In Slovak folklore, miners often spoke of “permoníci”, mysterious dwarf-like creatures who lived in the tunnels. They were considered guardians of the underground world. According to tradition, they could warn miners of danger - for example, by making strange noises before a collapse - but they could also punish those who disrespected the mines.
It was said that miners should never whistle underground, because it would offend the permoníci. On the other hand, if you showed respect, they might guide you to rich veins of silver or gold. Even today, when you visit mining museums in Slovakia, you will often find small figurines of permoníci as symbols of good luck.
Hidden Treasures and Cursed Gold
Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage town, has countless legends about treasures hidden in the surrounding mountains. One popular story says that a poor shepherd once found a shining piece of silver while tending his sheep. When he brought it to the town, it marked the beginning of the great mining tradition in Štiavnica.
Other legends warned against greed. If a miner tried to take more than his share, the mountains would “close” and swallow the treasure forever. Some believed that piles of gold were guarded by spirits or enchanted snakes with golden crowns, and only the most honest and hardworking person could ever claim them.
The Eternal Flame of Kremnica
Kremnica, famous for its gold mines and its historic mint, has its own mythical stories. One legend speaks of a mysterious eternal flame burning deep underground, next to the purest gold. This flame could not be extinguished and could only be seen by a miner with a clean heart and pure intentions.
This story was not only about wealth but also about morality: miners believed that without honesty, courage, and solidarity, no one could survive in the dangerous shafts. The myth of the eternal flame symbolized the connection between the physical world of mining and the spiritual world of values.
The Ghostly White Lady of Banská Štiavnica
Another famous tale from Banská Štiavnica is that of the White Lady, a ghost who was said to wander near the old castles and mines. Some believed she was the spirit of a noblewoman who betrayed the town to the enemy, others thought she was a guardian protecting hidden silver. When you walk through the narrow streets of Štiavnica at night, you might still feel the “presence” of this legend in the town’s unique atmosphere.
Why These Legends Still Matter
For Erasmus participants like you, who are spending time in Slovakia, these myths are more than just old fairy tales. They reflect how people lived, worked, and imagined the world centuries ago. Mining was dangerous, and life was uncertain - but stories about permoníci, hidden treasures, and mysterious flames gave people hope and comfort.
When you visit these towns today, you will find not only museums and beautiful architecture but also a sense of mystery that comes from centuries of storytelling. And who knows? Maybe when you walk through the tunnels of Štiavnica or Kremnica, you will hear a faint whisper reminding you that the spirits of the mines are still watching