The mythical beasts of Slovenia: the Zlatorog

So, I am attending the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission here on the edge of Lake Bled in Slovenia. As I am not allowed to report from the Committee (its deliberations and conclusions being confidential until its report is released to the IWC member nations a couple of weeks after we finish), I shall return to Slovenian mythology.

There is much confusion here as to the precise nature of the Unicorn or Zlatorog mentioned to us in the opening reception a few days back.

Elixir of the Zlatorog (can you see a goat?)

The reception included a long and very interesting speech from the local mayor (a hearty man with beard and spectacles) in which he described Slovenia history; something about whales (strictly confidential); some dancers in Slovenia national dress (perhaps not surprisingly a cross between Austrian and Greek costumes) who rapidly swapped hats in one dance and used agricultural tools as musical instruments in another; and a speech that told us the tail of the unicorn.

However, my Slovenian friend told me during the speech that the creature was not a unicorn but a 'Capricorn'; now I was at first surprised that he knew the mythical animal's birth-sign but it turned out to be a small linguistic error and it seems that the mythical creature is a goat.

Further to some online investigations (and consideration of the local brand of beer - see right), it transpires that the Slovenian mythical goat may have a golden horns and/or golden hooves (but not necessarily both) and, most excitingly when killed, drops of its blood transmogrify into flowers. These flowers when fed back to dead (or possibly dying as otherwise this might prove a bit tricky) goat-with-golden parts can cause its resuscitation - so that is quite handy. 

Some of the flowers not required for immediate goat with the golden etc resuscitation may have restorative powers. This has led to many grey and ancient scientists searching the local hills and mountains for the illusive blood flowers of Bled.

Meanwhile, outside it is a dark and stormy night and a weather warning has been issued to the members of the Scientific Committee advising us not to stand under trees.... or we may need more than mystical flowers.

Here is a photo of the Scientific Committee....

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