The legend of the Blue Lake

A short distance away from Giomein, a few hours from Valtournenche, in a green valley, amongst peaks covered with heather and rhododendrons, between fir trees, a small mountain lake lays out. It is the “Lago Blu” (Blue Lake). Called by this name for its waters, of an intense sky-blue, a color that looks like turquoise and that comes from a mineral found on the bottom.

The Matterhorn’s pyramid reflects on the sheet of water, with a magical effect; from the bank, looking at the bottom you can see tree trunks that look like boards of a rooftop. they bring to mind the melancholy legend of the lake.

A long time ago, where the lake is now located, there was a beautiful castle, home of a shepherd family. They were neither good nor charitable and even the woman, the wife, had a mean and cruel heart. One day a mysterious traveller knocked on their door: his face was tired and pale, his clothes torn to shreds and he was leaning on a huge gnarled stick. The woman, who went to open the door, looked at him from head to toe with clear mistrust.
- What do you want? - she asked with a stern voice.
- For the love of God, - murmurred the traveller - give me some porridge and milk…....
The poor soul wasn’t really asking for much. But the greedy and cruel shepherdess rudely replied:
- Go away, I don’t have anything for you. - and she turned her back to him.
The youngest of the children heard the entire thing and felt a stab of pain and pity in his heart. He entered the house, went to get his breakfast bowl and was about to give it to the traveller. But the family opposed to this and in scorn gave the traveller a bowl full of dirty water. The poor man went away dejected, murmurring dark words…