Tradition / Region: Slovenian Mythology
Alternative names: Ajdovska deklica, Pagan Maiden
Category: Nymph
The Myth
High upon the northern face of Mount Prisojnik in the Julian Alps rests the image of the Heathen Maiden, a giant stone face looking out over the mountains near Kranjska Gora. According to tradition, the face belongs to a mountain nymph who once lived among the peaks.
The nymph possessed the gift of prophecy. One day she foretold that a newborn child would eventually bring about the death of Goldenhorn, the legendary white chamois with golden horns who guarded the treasures of the mountains.
The other mountain nymphs were horrified by her prediction. Angered by what she had revealed, they punished her for speaking of Goldenhorn’s fate.
As punishment, the prophetic maiden was transformed into stone. Her face remained fixed upon the mountain, where it can still be seen gazing over the valleys below.
Thus the Heathen Maiden endures eternally in the cliffs of Mount Prisojnik, a silent reminder of the prophecy that foretold the downfall of Goldenhorn.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Heathen Maiden. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathen_Maiden