The Legend of the Animals from the Black Stork Hut

paulinabrelinska
3 days ago
3 min read

The story whispered by the Karkonosze Mountains

Perhaps not so long ago, because time flows differently in the mountains, the Black Bocian Hut was built in Podgórzyn, at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains. It's said that from the very beginning, it was a place unlike any other. Warm, peaceful, and attentive. One that listens to the mountains, forests, and stories written in the wind.

It was then that the local animals of the Black Stork Hut appeared. They didn't come from the forest like wild creatures, but were born from human hands. From thread, materials, and patience. Each one was handcrafted, and with the final stitch, it took on more than just a shape—it took on a role.

Animals that watch over the Black Stork Hut

Legend has it that each handmade animal at the Black Stork Hut has a specific purpose. These are not ordinary mascots, but guardians of the home's peace and quiet and protectors of guests.

Among them are:

A stork that remembers the paths of travelers and makes sure that everyone gets here safely.
The fox , the guardian of stories – he makes sure that the stories of Podgórzyn are not forgotten
A hedgehog that brings warmth and sleep after long hikes in the Karkonosze Mountains
Forest birds and small animals watching over the silence and mornings in the Black Stork Cottage.
other unique creatures that appear and quickly disappear. They likely run through the surrounding meadows, forests, or swim in the Podgórna River.

Each of them is different, because, as the locals say, there are no two identical stories in the Karkonosze Mountains.

Where did the animals from the Black Stork Hut come from?

In Podgórzyn, many ancient traditions have vanished over the years, like traces on a mountain trail after the first snowfall. Therefore, we decided not to recreate the past, but to create a new legend . Handicraft has become its language.

Each animal was knitted by hand, without rushing or mass repetition. Thus, a new, local tradition was born. One that is still taking root, but is already a part of the Black Stork Hut.

Tradition does not always have to be old to be credible.

Why do the animals stay at the Black Stork Hut?

Legend has it that the animals dislike noise and rush. They only stay where people can slow down, look out the window at the mountains, and listen to the silence.

That's why in the Black Stork Hut:

create an atmosphere of security and peace
they welcome the youngest guests who are the first to spot them
remind adults of simple joys
are a sign that the place lives with its own story

Some say that when evening falls and the cottage becomes quiet, the animals switch places, so that each night they watch over a different person.

The Karkonosze legend written today

The Karkonosze Mountains have always been a land of legends. But today, new stories must be created anew, in harmony with the place and the people who live here.

The Black Stork Cottage is one such story. And its handmade animals are its heroes. You won't find them in stores or online. They can only be found here in Podgórzyn, at the Black Stork Cottage.

Gallery – Animals from the Legend

If you stay at the Black Stork Hut…

…look carefully at our unique shelf. Maybe one of the animals will look right at you. And if so, it's a sign that the legend lives on, right where someone decided to stop for a moment with their loved ones.