How Janko's Rock on Mt. Golija got its name: The legend of the brothers teaches us patience

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

At 1,833 meters above sea level is Jankov Kamen ("Janko's Rock") the highest peak on Mt. Golija and also the highest mountain peak in southwestern Serbia.

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There are several legends about how Jankov Kamen got its name.

According to one, the rock was named after Sibinjanin Janko (Janos Hunyadi), who, returning from Kosovo, left a rock right here. There is no such information in historical sources, but in memory of the father of the Hungarian king and a man who was a national hero in Hungary, but also in Serbia and Romania, people have been retelling the legend that the rock on the highest peak of Golija was dedicated precisely to him.

The legend of Rajko and Janko who competed to be the first to bring a large rock to the top of Golija lives even longer. Some stories say that they were brothers, and others that they were blood brothers.

The "grand finale" in both stories is the same; both Rajko and Janko chose a large rock and set off for the top of Golija. But, while Rajko was recklessly hurrying to reach the top, Janko systematically, strategically, patiently chose the paths he would take in order to maintain his strength, that would allow him to bring the rock to the top.

Wanting to be the first to arrive, Rajko accelerated his pace as he got closer to the top, but stumbled close to his goal, and the rock fell into the river that has been called Rajkov Potok (Rajko's Stream) ever since.

On the other hand, Janko slowly carried his rock and managed to reach the top of Golija, which is now called Janko's Rock in honor of his feat.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Telegraf.rs)