Tradition / Region: Albanian Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Deer
The Myth
The Sun Stag is a benevolent animal associated with the sun, summoned to safely carry a maiden back to her home. It is distinguished from more dangerous creatures by its peaceful nature and willingness to help.
After being taken by the sun, a maiden longed to return to her mother. The sun told her to summon an animal to carry her home. First came the Kulshedra, which admitted it would devour her, and so it was rejected. Then the maiden summoned a stag. When asked what it would eat and drink, the stag replied that it would eat fresh grass and drink cold water. Satisfied, the sun chose the stag to escort her.
The stag carried the maiden on its antlers. Along the journey, it paused and told her to climb a tree while it searched for food, warning her not to come down for anyone else. When a Kulshedra approached and tried to lure her down, the maiden refused. The stag returned in time, took her again upon its antlers, and carried her safely home.
Before departing, the stag had asked that the maiden’s mother provide fresh hay in return for its help.
Sources
Albanian Literature contributors. (n.d.). Folktale 22. In Albanian Literature, from http://www.albanianliterature.net/folktales/tale_22.html
Dozon, A. (1879). Manuel de la langue chkipe ou albanaise: Grammaire, vocabulaire, chrestomathie. In Paris: Ernest Leroux (reprinted in Folklor shqiptar 1, Proza popullore, 1963). Translated by Elsie, R.