The Legend of the Drekavac from Drvar

In the small town of Drvar, nestled deep within thick pine forests, tales of the Drekavac have been passed down for generations. Elders say it appears at night, especially during the long winter months, when the fog creeps through the woods and the wind howls eerily through the branches.

According to local lore, it all began many years ago when a young woman named Milena lost her newborn child. The village was poor, and the old customs insisted that babies must be baptized as soon as possible, so their souls could find peace. But poverty and misfortune delayed the ceremony. Not long after the child’s death, Milena claimed to hear cries from the forest every night—until one day, she vanished without a trace, leaving behind only rumors and fear.

People later reported seeing a strange, small creature wandering the woods—long pale arms, glowing eyes that pierced the dark, and a cry that could shatter the silence. It was said to leap onto the backs of lonely travelers and scream relentlessly, driving them to run until they collapsed from exhaustion. Locals believed it was the Drekavac, the restless soul of an unbaptized child, searching for peace it was never given.

One evening, a skeptical young man named Marko set out to prove that the stories were nothing more than superstition. Armed with a lantern, a knife, and his loyal dog, he ventured deep into the woods. As he moved farther from the village, he heard someone calling his name. The voice was sharp—like a child’s cry—but filled with sorrow and rage. His dog began howling and tried to flee, but Marko stood his ground.

Suddenly, a small figure with shining eyes lunged at him from the dark and clung to his back. It began to scream—louder and louder—as Marko ran in terror. Each time he slowed to catch his breath, the creature’s wail grew more violent, and the weight on his back heavier. Finally, he collapsed onto a small clearing.

When morning came, Marko awoke alone. But there were scratch marks on his back and tiny footprints in the mud all around him.

From that day on, Marko never went out at night without a cross and a candle. He told anyone who would listen that the Drekavac was not just an old wives' tale—it was a warning. A reminder that tradition and ritual should never be forgotten.

His story is still told in Drvar. And they say, if you ever hear a piercing cry in the forest, you should turn back immediately—and never look behind you.

The Legend of the Drekavac from Drvar lives on, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural.