Nazvana Gora (nǎzʋana ɡǒra)

Nazvana Gora is the highest point on the island of Kurikum, and is believed to be part of the path deceased Pozoj take to reach Nav, the land of the dead. According to Pozoj folklore, when a spirit leaves a body it is transformed into a bird of smoke and shadow, that can linger in the physical realm for days or even weeks. Eventually, it is drawn to Nazvana Gora in order to complete its journey to Nav; those who resist this call risk becoming one of the črti, a form of malicious ghost.

A column of smoke continuously drifts above the mountain's peak, emerging from several fissures high on the northern side. This is believed to be the exhalations of the great beast known as Zmaj, the guardian to the underworld. Zmaj is depicted as serpent made entirely of fire and lava who is as long as a river. To pass into Nav, spirits must fly above the body of Zmaj, following the burning length as it winds through the depths of the earth. Only the dead are capable of making this journey; those of the living who attempt it are either burned by the extreme heat, or suffocated by the fumes rising from the body of Zmaj.

Geography

The mountain is located in the middle of a karst plateau in the southeastern part of the island. The region is extremely dangerous, and unwary travelers may find themselves falling into the earth as a section of the plateau collapses into a sinkhole or cavern. The mountainside is marked by several stone cairns, as it is traditional among the Pozoj of Kurikum to place a substitute grave near Nazvana Gora whenever a person's body cannot be properly interred, so that the spirit may know that their family has not forgotten them.

Type

Mountain / Hill

Location under

Kurikum

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 44.87 degrees North
Longitude: 55.21 degrees East
Elevation: 3,553 ft