{"id":349,"date":"2026-11-04T10:33:44","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshanin.com\/blog\/?p=349"},"modified":"2026-11-05T07:10:45","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T07:10:45","slug":"navali-se-shar-planina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshanin.com\/blog\/2026\/11\/04\/navali-se-shar-planina\/","title":{"rendered":"NAVALI SE SHAR PLANINA"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Navali se Shar planina”
\n(“\u041d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0441\u0435 \u0428\u0430\u0440-\u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430”)
\nSerbian Traditional Folk Song<\/strong><\/h3>\n

– – – – – – –<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:
\n<\/i><\/span>This is a long read with a few digressions, so just take a deep breath, relax and get ready for a deep dive into some unknown territories! It is a long and winding road, leading eventually to its final destination. I guarantee you won\u2019t be left indifferent after reading it and you\u2019ll also learn something new and interesting along the way. Anyway, there are plenty of nice pictures and photos too! \ud83d\ude42<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

As an ultimate reward – if you manage to read this entire article – rest assured that your natural human ability to focus your attention for a prolonged periods of time is not yet destroyed by the SNSA pandemic – aka Social Networks Scrolling Addiction (coined by yours truly \ud83d\ude00 )<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

If you would <\/b><\/span>still<\/b><\/span> <\/b>prefer to take <\/b><\/span>just a <\/b><\/span>quick <\/b><\/span>literary<\/b><\/span> stroll<\/b><\/span> \u2013 I\u2019d definitely recommend my previous essay for the <\/span>folk song Quiet Fog (Tija Maglo) \u2013 link here<\/a>.<\/b><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Cheers!<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

– – – – – – –<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/strong><\/h3>\n

THE WIDER GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HISTORIC CONTEXT<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c<\/strong>Navali se Shar-planina\u201d<\/strong> (\u041d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0441\u0435 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430) is an old traditional shepherd song. Its name indicates obviously that the narrative unfolds around the Shara Mountain (\u0428\u0430\u0440-\u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430 \/ \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430 \u0428\u0430\u0440\u0430) which is located in central part of the Helm region of Southeast Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Helm region is the main land mass of Southeast Europe. Despite its ancient original name, the Helm region is in present times referred to as the Balkan peninsula.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"EuropeThe geographic location of the Helm \/ Balkan region within Europe. This region includes the territories (full or partial) of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n


\nThe origin of its modern name \u2013 Balkan, is obscure and, according to etymologists, it supposedly stems from either the Ottoman Turkish or the Persian language. Interestingly, this land mass has never been a historic native living space of these two ethnic groups. Although their empires kept parts of the Helm region occupied for some time, their traditional ethnic lands are located in Asia. Nonetheless, this foreign name has been consistently pushed into the mainstream by modern Western European powers in an effort to obscure its traditional, historic name \u2013 Helm. Still in use today by the local population, it had been given to their own lands by the Thracian people whose culture emerged <\/b>there during the Bronze Age and flourished in the 3rd<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> millennium BC. Even the ancient Greeks incorporated it to their language as Haemus<\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Helm land is not a peninsula at all, but rather an integral land mass of Southeast Europe. This fact is obvious even after a brief look at the geographic map of Europe. While modern geographers acknowledge this fact and are actively challenging the concept of a Balkan peninsula<\/i>, this term is being continuously imposed for the geopolitical goals of the Western elites. Balkan peninsula, as a term and concept was created by the German geographer August Zeune, as recently as in 1808.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

II<\/strong><\/h3>\n

ICONIC MOUNTAIN RANGES OF THE HELM LANDS<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Helm region is predominantly a mountainous, hilly geographic region interspersed with large mountain ranges, high plains and some lowland valleys. In addition to many mountains with breathtaking landscapes it features some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Helm sits at the northeastern edge of the Mediterranean basin and is surrounded by five large bodies of water: Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, Sea of Marmara, and Black Sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dubrovnik\"Panoramic view<\/a> of the ancient city of Dubrovnik on the coast of the Adriatic Sea<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The largest mountain ranges in the Helm region include:<\/p>\n

– <\/span>Dinaric Al<\/b><\/span>ps<\/b><\/span><\/a> (<\/span>aka Dinarides<\/span>)<\/span>, run along the Adriatic Sea and are one of the most rugged and extensive mountainous areas of Europe. <\/span>The Dinarides are named after Mount <\/span>Dinara<\/span>, a prominent peak in the center of the range. <\/span>The p<\/span>eople of the Dinaric Alps are on record as being the tallest in the world, with an average male adolescent height o<\/span>f 1<\/span>85.6 cm (6 ft 1 in).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"OrjenOrjen<\/a> spreads between <\/span>Bosnia and Herzegovina <\/span>and <\/span>Montenegro <\/span>and is the most heavily karstified range of the Dinarides.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

–<\/span> Rhodope Mountain<\/b><\/span>s<\/b><\/span><\/a> form<\/span> part of the Rila-Phodope massif, which is the oldest landmass in the Helm region. <\/span>The<\/span>ir<\/span> name is of <\/span>Thracian origin, <\/span>which <\/span>the ancient Greeks <\/span>incorporated in<\/span>t<\/span>o their mythology. <\/span>According to the myth,<\/span> the King Haemus of Thrace and his wife, <\/span>the<\/span> Queen Rhodope,<\/span> offended the gods and w<\/span>ere<\/span> tran<\/span>s<\/span>form<\/span>ed into <\/span>the <\/span>mountain<\/span>s Haemus and Rhodope as a punishment <\/span>by <\/span>Zeus <\/span>and <\/span>Hera.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PhodopeThe river <\/span>Mesta <\/span>crossing the <\/span>Rhodope <\/span>mountains<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Balkan Mountai<\/b><\/span>n<\/b><\/span> Range<\/b><\/span><\/a> is<\/span> the source of the <\/span>modern <\/span>name of the <\/span>Helm region \u2013 <\/span>Balkan. <\/span>In Bulgaria and Serbia they<\/span> are also known as <\/span>\u0421\u0442\u0430\u0440\u0430 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430 <\/span><\/span>(St<\/span><\/span>ara planina<\/i><\/span>)<\/i><\/span>, literal<\/span>ly<\/span> meaning <\/span>The O<\/i><\/span>ld <\/i><\/span>M<\/i><\/span>ountain<\/i><\/span>. <\/span>In the Antiquity these mountains were known <\/span>as Haemus, derived from its original<\/span> Thracian name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"BalkanA view <\/span>of the Balkan Mountains<\/a> <\/span>from <\/span>the<\/span> Kom Peak<\/a> in western Bulgaria<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

– <\/span>C<\/b><\/span>arpathian Mountai<\/b><\/span>ns<\/b><\/span><\/a> \u2013 <\/span>the largest mountain range <\/span>in <\/span>Central and Southeast Europe<\/i><\/span>. <\/span>They can be considered <\/span>The True Slavic Mountains<\/i><\/span> as they are encompassed entirely <\/span>within<\/span> the historic <\/span>Slavic lands<\/i><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"CarpathianLake Bucura<\/a>, Southern Carpathians<\/a>, <\/span>Romania<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Carpathian Mountains<\/i><\/span> also host the cradle of the <\/span>European civilization<\/i><\/span> which is located in the <\/span>Lepenski Vir<\/i><\/span><\/a> arch<\/span>a<\/span>eologic<\/span>al<\/span> site in Serbia, <\/span>dated as far back as 9500 BC. This <\/span>Mesolithic<\/i><\/span> site is the oldest human settlement in <\/span>Europe<\/i><\/span> and it lies <\/span>on the <\/span>right bank of the <\/span>Danube river<\/i><\/span> where <\/span>the<\/span> Iron Gates <\/i><\/span>G<\/i><\/span>orge<\/i><\/span> cuts through the <\/span>southernmost <\/span>sect<\/span>ion o<\/span>f<\/span> the <\/span>Carpathian Mountains<\/i><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"SculptureSculpture from the Lepenski Vir<\/i> culture \u2013 the famous \u201cForemother<\/a>\u201d<\/i> cca 7000 BCE<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This list is just a tip of the iceberg as there are many more magnificent mountains in the land of Helm. I have to highlight a couple of the lesser known, but not an inch less magnificent, mountains that are displaying some unique properties:<\/span><\/p>\n

– <\/span>Rtanj <\/i><\/span>Mountain<\/i><\/span><\/a> in <\/span>eastern <\/span>Serbia:<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rtanjhttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rtanj-mountain.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n

The Rtanj Mountain<\/i> is also known as the \u201cSerbian Pyramid\u201d<\/i> as it features a nearly perfect t<\/i>etrahedron<\/i> \u2013 a triangular pyramidal shape. Mountain Rtanj<\/i> (Serbian: \u0420\u0442\u0430\u045a – pronounced [r\u0329\u0302\u02d0ta\u0272]) is a part of Southern Carpathian<\/i> mountain range and is well known for its unique properties including strong positive energy field surrounding it as well as many endemic medicinal herbs growing on its slopes. It also exhibits some inexplicable characteristics such as that some of its geometric properties are matching those of the Pyramid of the Moon in Mexico<\/i> and the Great Pyramid of Giza<\/i> in Egypt<\/i>. It is also shrouded in mystery because of the numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects and lights hovering around its highest peak.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

– <\/span>Bosnian Pyramids<\/a> in Visoko<\/i><\/span> \u2013 <\/span>another example <\/span>for<\/span> a mountain of an unknown or at least debated origin <\/span>(<\/span>human <\/span>shaped<\/span> vs. natural<\/span>ly formed<\/span>)<\/span> exhibiting<\/span> some<\/span> peculiar <\/span>geometric and <\/span>electromagnetic properties <\/span>and <\/span>featuring a <\/span>complex network of tunnels:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Bosnianhttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bosnian_Sun_Pyramid_Lookout.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n

see also:
\n<\/i><\/span>Archaeological park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun Foundation:
\n<\/i><\/span>https:\/\/piramidasunca.ba\/en\/pyramid\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After all these examples it is obvious that, regardless of their geologic types, shapes and physical features, mountains are undoubtedly magnificent objects that bring awe to the human eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mountains\u2019 energies at their foothills and peaks are affecting humans in very different, rather contrasting ways. Looking up at a mighty giant from its foothills, one realizes its magnificence and immense power and becomes overwhelmed with a sense of insignificance and humbleness. In contrast, when the mountain is finally conquered and a stunning panoramic view of the horizon unfolds \u2013 a sense of fullness, lightness and peace arises. There, at the summit, one experiences an exhilarating state of bliss, gratefulness and a kind of spiritual realization.<\/span><\/p>\n

Such is the magic of mountains – places where mythical beings and spiritual entities dwell. Perhaps their greatness, powerful appearance and enormous efforts required to conquer their rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions are the very reasons for all the supernatural beings being associated with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

III<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

MOUNTAINS WITH THEIR SUPERNATURAL AND SPIRIT BEINGS<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Throughout the entire human history mountains were considered as sacred, mystical places permeated with spiritual powers and nature\u2019s primal energies. Oral traditions, myths and tales from all over the world involved various spiritual entities and otherworldly creatures inhabiting hills and mountains \u2013 from beautiful Slavic Fairies, mysterious Himalayan Yeti, mischievous Central American Chaneques, powerful North American Natives\u2019 Mountain Spirits to their modern counterparts such as the ever elusive Sasquatch (or Bigfoot) of the North American Pacific Northwest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearance, attributes and specific powers of these mighty beings differ according to their geographic locations and are shaped and colored by the perceptions, beliefs and traditions of the local populations.<\/span><\/p>\n

One such example are Dragons<\/i> – the virtually universal magical beings appearing in myths and traditions worldwide. Although mountains were not necessarily their exclusive habitats, as they were also often linked to rives, lakes and other bodies of water, they all shared many common features despite their culture-specific historical depictions. From Chinese, Korean or Japanese dragons, to European and Central American beasts, African serpent dragons to the Slavic multi-headed dragons, it is obvious that all of them represented the same entities simply seen through the lens of different cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"AzhdayaAbove: T<\/i><\/span>he t<\/i><\/span>hree-headed dragon of <\/i><\/span>the <\/i><\/span>Baltic legends<\/i><\/span>
\n<\/span>https:\/\/mythlok.com\/azhdaya\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

From the onset of the human civilization to this very day, we are continuously treating nature as a beast to be tamed and controlled but most of our efforts proved to be futile. Beyond any doubt, a time will eventually come when humanity will finally realize that nature should be regarded in a true sense of her universally accepted role – Mother Nature<\/b><\/i>, and that it will be treated just like our own mothers \u2013 with love, respect and care<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our ancestors have never exhibited such ignorance towards nature as well as arrogance towards animal world as we display it today with such ease and an utterly careless attitude. In spite of all their efforts, they were undoubtedly aware of their inability to fully control or conquer nature, weather, the rivers and the seas, and especially the mountains. Even during the daylight, the mountains – their thick forests, treacherous terrains, inaccessible cliffs, deadly abysses, and avalanches – presented a formidable challenge. At night, however, even the smallest cracking sound would paralyze humans with fear, while a sudden cold breeze would send shivers down their spines and scare them to death.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is the very realization of such helpless human vulnerability that gave rise to the belief in supernatural beings and spirit entities of the mountains. Apparently, it is not that we couldn\u2019t conquer them because of the immensity of these great rocks or the lethal powers of fierce mountain storms, but because of the mighty deities and evil spirits who prevented us from entering their world. As usual, it is more convenient to invent some powerful foe than to admit that we are powerless and insignificant little creatures at this vast natural playground. And so the mountains with their great powers became the magical entities that should be feared and respected.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IV<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

SHARA MOUNTAIN<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at this magnificent mountain featured in our folk song \u2013 the mighty Shara Mountain!<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\"SharaShara Mountain<\/a><\/p>\n

Our planet\u2019s geographic features – such as mountains, rivers and lakes, straits and oceans, served throughout the human history as natural physical borders between different tribes, ethnic groups, and later kingdoms, empires and states. These same natural features were often used as central points around which tribes and states evolved and identified their land with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shara Mountain<\/b> is another such example of natural borders. It is located in the heart of the Helm region and it forms the border between Serbia and North Macedonia, with its southwestern section running along the eastern border of present day Albania. In the ancient times Shara mountain was considered to be the border between the Serbian and Byzantine lands, before the Serbian Emperor Dushan the Great (\u0426\u0430\u0440 \u0414\u0443\u0448\u0430\u043d \u0421\u0438\u043b\u043d\u0438)<\/i> finally reclaimed most of the historic Serbian and Slavic lands from the declining Byzantine Empire in the XIV Century.<\/span><\/p>\n

The point of interest here is the mountain\u2019s name since there are several theories about its origin. Most of these theories involve names given to it by foreigners or sources from nations not native to these lands, and they are – quite curiously, not taking into account the languages of the autochthonous Slavic tribes who inhabited these lands for several millennia.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most hilarious explanations floating around the internet, involves the language of one of the historically recent newcomers to these lands, although it is well documented that these nomadic tribes were brought to the Helm region as mercenaries from the Caucasus Mountains in the XI Century by the Byzantine general George Maniakes for his military raids and his eventual attempt to overthrow the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. Eventually, these foreign tribes managed to grow in numbers and, with the continuous backing by the unfriendly Western European powers, continue to create havoc among the Balkan nations to this day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without making any claims, it will suffice for the scope of this essay to note that the word s<\/i>har<\/i>eno<\/i> (\u0448\u0430\u0440\u0435\u043d\u043e) in Slavic languages, such as in Serbian or Macedonian, denotes something colorful. For example, s<\/i>hara<\/i> (\u0448\u0430\u0440\u0430) or sharka<\/i> (\u0448\u0430\u0440\u043a\u0430) – an archaic Serbian word for color or pattern, is still in use today to describe something vibrant or colorful – or a small decorative element.<\/span><\/p>\n

This connection resonates with The Shara mountain – known for its extraordinary beauty and colorful<\/i> natural environment, so it\u2019s no surprise that it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site due to its biodiversity and ecological significance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shara mountain\u2019s peaks reach well beyond 2500 meters (8200+ feet) above the sea level and it features 70 lakes which are being called \u201cmountain eyes\u201d. Shara\u2019s biodiversity includes more than 2000 floral species, 18 of which are endemic to this mountain and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the plants – Natali<\/i>e<\/i>\u2019s Ramonda<\/i> (Serbian: \u041d\u0430\u0442\u0430\u043b\u0438\u0458\u0438\u043d\u0430 \u0440\u0430\u043c\u043e\u043d\u0434\u0430<\/i>, Latin: Ramonda nathaliae<\/i>), discovered in 1884 by botanists Sava Petrovic and Josif Pancic who named it after the Serbian Queen Natalia of Serbia (1859-1941), has a unique ability to revive itself even after being completely dehydrated. Due to this extraordinary ability it has become one of the national symbols of Serbia and of Serbian people\u2019s struggle in the World War I in which they had barely avoided a total physical annihilation, and survived only after suffering unimaginable human losses and after their heroic victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ramondahttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ramonda_nathaliae<\/a><\/p>\n

Shara mountain is one of Europe\u2019s richest habitats with hundreds of animal species thriving in its forests. One of its specially designated Natural Reserve areas is home to less than 100 remaining specimens of the endangered species of Balkan lynx (Latin: Lynx lynx balcanicus<\/i>) \u2013 Europe\u2019s largest wild cat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Balkan(source link<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Shara mountain also has its own breed of dogs. Recognized by the International Canine Federation as <\/span>the \u201cYugoslavian Shepherd Dog \u2013 Sharplanina (Jugoslovenski ov\u010darski pas \u2013 \u0160arplaninac) the Sharr dog is a breed of livestock guardian type and it originates in the Shar Mountains range.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sardog(source: https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sardog.jpg<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

V<\/strong><\/h3>\n

“NAVALI SE SHAR PLANINA” FOLK SONG<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

This old <\/span>traditional <\/span>folk song revolve<\/span>s <\/span>around the shepherd culture <\/span>and traditions – <\/span>j<\/span>ust like<\/span> the folk song <\/span>\u201cTija maglo\u201d<\/i><\/span> which<\/span> I\u2019ve treated in a separate article (link here<\/a>). <\/span>The songs<\/span> originate in different areas of the Helm region <\/span>and t<\/span>his <\/span>immediately becomes<\/span> apparent <\/span>with their<\/span> specific <\/span>musical styles <\/span>and<\/span> singing techniques<\/span>. <\/span>For example, <\/span>\u201cTija maglo\u201d<\/i><\/span> is set over a freely flowing rubato tempo, <\/span>while<\/span> \u201cNavali se <\/i><\/span>Shar-planina<\/i><\/span>\u201d<\/i><\/span> is based on a precisely defined rhythmic <\/span>structure<\/span>. <\/span>Moreover, each song <\/span>sets a completely different<\/span> mood, <\/span>with the <\/span>later <\/span>being<\/span> grave <\/span>and<\/span> heavy, while the former carries an air of lightness and warmth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite their differences, both songs feature the anthropomorphic symbolism, which is a hallmark in South Slavic oral tradition, and through which a natural object or phenomena acquires human qualities. In this case, the Shara mountain goes beyond the confines of a simple setting in which the narrative unfolds, to becomes a powerful human-like entity and a main protagonist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the pastoral setting and the song\u2019s surface layer, its ultimate message and deeper meaning point to the universal theme of love and loss. Some readers might find the concluding verses to be insensitive, uncomfortable or particularly harsh, but this song is simply a testament to the Slavic people\u2019s tendency to communicate openly and directly, without resorting to elaborate metaphors and figurative language.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are numerous variations of the lyrics – from traditional ones sung in the archaic dialects, to the shorter versions with omitted concluding verses, and even the ones with mixed up content or considerable variations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following is an integral modern Serbian version:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041d\u0410\u0412\u0410\u041b\u0418 \u0421\u0415 \u0428\u0410\u0420-\u041f\u041b\u0410\u041d\u0418\u041d\u0410
\n<\/strong>(Serbian version)<\/h3>\n

\u041d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0441\u0435, \u043d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0441\u0435 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438 \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0445\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0438,
\n\u0438 \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0445\u0432\u0430\u0442\u0438 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d\u0430.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041f\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d, \u043f\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d \u045a\u043e\u0458 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0443, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0443,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0414\u0440\u0443\u0433\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d, \u0434\u0440\u0443\u0433\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d \u045a\u043e\u0458 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0443, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0443,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0422\u0440\u0435\u045b\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d, \u0442\u0440\u0435\u045b\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d \u045a\u043e\u0458 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0443, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0443,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0430, \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0430 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430,
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0430,
\n\u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0430 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0416\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0437\u0430 \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043d\u0443,
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043d\u0435.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043a\u0430,
\n\u2018\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043a\u0430.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the Macedonian version, as sung by the shepherds on the Macedonian side of the Shara mountain:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0421\u0415 \u041d\u0410\u0412\u0410\u041b\u0418 \u0428\u0410\u0420 \u041f\u041b\u0410\u041d\u0418\u041d<\/strong>\u0410
\n<\/strong>(Macedonian version)<\/h3>\n

\u0421\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u0441\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430,
\n<\/span>\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0441\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0441\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0432\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041c\u0438 \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0438\u0441\u043d\u0430, \u043c\u0438 \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0444\u0430\u0442\u0438 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440\u0430,
\n\u0442\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440\u0430, \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d\u0430.<\/p>\n

\u041f\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440, \u043f\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u045d \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u0430\u0458 \u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430, \u045c\u0435 \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/p>\n

\u0412\u0442\u043e\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440, \u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u045d \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430, \u045c\u0435 \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430, \u045c\u0435 \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/p>\n

\u0422\u0440\u0435\u0442\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440, \u0442\u0440\u0435\u0442\u0438 \u043e\u0432\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u045d \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435,
\n\u043f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e.<\/p>\n

\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430, \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430, \u045c\u0435 \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430,
\n\u0438\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u045c\u0435 \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438.<\/p>\n

\u0416\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0448\u0435\u0441\u0442 \u043d\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u043e \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043d\u0430,<\/p>\n

\u041c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438, \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u0443\u0440’ \u0434\u043e\u0432\u0435\u043a\u0430,
\n\u0430\u0458\u0434\u0435 \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438,
\n\u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u0443\u0440\u0438 \u0434\u043e \u0433\u0440\u043e\u0431\u0430.<\/span><\/p>\n

For comparison, here\u2019s another shorter version \u2013 recorded in 1946 as sung by a local singer from the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija in an archaic local Serbian dialect:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u041d\u0410\u0412\u0410\u041b\u0418 \u0421\u0415 \u0428\u0410\u0420 \u041f\u041b\u0410\u041d\u0418\u041d\u0410<\/strong>
\n(Short Serbian version)<\/h3>\n

\u041f\u0440\u043e\u043f\u0430\u0434\u0435 \u043c\u0438 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430,
\n\u041f\u0440\u0438\u0442\u0438\u0441\u043d\u0430 \u043c\u0438 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0444\u0447\u0430\u0440\u0430,
\n\u0422\u0440\u0438 \u043e\u0444\u0447\u0430\u0440\u0430, \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u0447\u043e\u0431\u0430\u043d\u0430.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u041f\u0440\u0432\u0438 \u043e\u0444\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u0433\u0443 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u201e\u041f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e,
\n\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0436\u0435\u043d\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438!\u201c
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0414\u0440\u0443\u0433\u0438 \u043e\u0444\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u0433\u0443 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u201e\u041f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e,
\n\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438!\u201c
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u0422\u0440\u0435\u045b\u0438 \u043e\u0444\u0447\u0430\u0440 \u0433\u0443 \u0441\u0435 \u043c\u043e\u043b\u0438:
\n\u201e\u041f\u0443\u0448\u0442\u0438 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u0435, \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u043e,
\n\u0418\u043c\u0430\u043c \u043c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0443 \u0448\u0442\u043e \u043c\u0435 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438!\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u041f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0430 \u0428\u0430\u0440 \u041f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043d\u0430:
\n\u201e\u0416\u0435\u043d\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0437\u0430 \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043d\u0443,
\n\u0421\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0442\u0440\u0438 \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043d\u0435,
\n\u041c\u0430\u0458\u043a\u0430 \u0436\u0430\u043b\u0438 \u0434\u0443\u0440 \u0434\u043e \u0432\u0435\u043a\u0430!\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

(Source link)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, this is the English translation:<\/span><\/p>\n

SHARA MOUNTAIN LEANED OVER<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It leaned over, the Shara mountain leaned over
\n<\/span>and it trapped,
\n<\/span>it trapped three shepherds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first shepherd, the first shepherd prays to her:
\n<\/span>Come on, let me go,
\n<\/span>Let me go, Shara mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have a wife, I have a wife who grieves for me,
\n<\/span>Come on, I have a wife,
\n<\/span>I have a wife who grieves for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second shepherd, the second shepherd prays to her:
\n<\/span>Come on, let me go,
\n<\/span>Let me go, Shara mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have a sister, I have a sister who grieves for me,
\n<\/span>Come on, I have a sister,
\n<\/span>I have a sister who grieves for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

The third shepherd, the third shepherd prays to her:
\n<\/span>Come on, let me go,
\n<\/span>Let me go, Shara mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have a mother, I have a mother who grieves for me,
\n<\/span>Come on, I have a mother,
\n<\/span>I have a mother who grieves me.<\/span><\/p>\n

It speaks, the Shara mountain speaks,
\n<\/span>Oh, it speaks,
\n<\/span>the Shara mountain speaks:<\/span><\/p>\n

The wife grieves, a wife grieves for a year,
\n<\/span>Oh, sister grieves,
\n<\/span>sister grieves for three years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mother grieves, mother grieves forever,
\n<\/span>Oh, mother grieves,
\n<\/span>mother grieves forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

The song tells the poignant story of three shepherds trapped by the Shara Mountain, each pleading for their lives based on who is left behind, waiting for them to return. Ultimately, the story reveals the profound truth: that mother\u2019s love is unconditional, and the loss of a child is an enduring wound that will never be truly healed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The English translation above is based on the Serbian version, but there are some interesting discrepancies between different sources. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

– in the Serbian version wife grieves for one<\/b><\/u> year<\/b> and sister grieves for three<\/b><\/u> years<\/b>.
\n<\/span>– while in the Macedonian version wife grieves for six weeks<\/b><\/u> and sister grieves for one<\/b><\/u> year<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be fair, I also found some Serbian recordings with the \u201cwife <\/i>&<\/i> six weeks\u201d<\/i> variation, suggesting it isn\u2019t specific to Macedonian versions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Going back to the 1960s and 1970s, many contemporary recordings and performances omit the concluding verses, focusing instead solely on the shepherds\u2019 prayers to the mountain, without mentioning their loved ones\u2019 grief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an examples for these short versions:<\/span><\/p>\n

Navali se Shar Planina by Bora Spuzic Kvaka<\/strong> (recorded in 1975 for RTB \u2013 Belgrade, Serbia)<\/em>
\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0cCRNQq7g8w<\/a><\/span>
\n