Urban Legends

The Weeping Bridge of Čachtice

Origin: Slovakia

Nestled near the ruins of the infamous Čachtice Castle, home of the real-life "Blood Countess" Elizabeth Báthory, lies an old wooden bridge that crosses a misty forest stream. Locals call it the Weeping Bridge (Plačúci Most), a place where mournful cries echo through the night, chilling passersby to the bone.

Legend says that anyone crossing the bridge after dark risks hearing a woman's sorrowful sobs that grow louder and closer the further you walk, sometimes even feeling unseen hands clutching at your sleeves. Those who stop and look into the water say they see not their own reflection, but the face of a pale woman with hollow eyes and dripping hair.

The story traces back to the late 1800s, shortly after the brutal reign and mysterious death of Countess Elizabeth Báthory, rumored to have bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her youth. Though much of her story is shrouded in myth, locals believe many innocent victims' souls were never at peace.

According to the legend, one of the Countess's servants, a young woman named Marta, was executed for betraying her mistress. Before dying, Marta cursed the castle grounds, promising that her tears would never dry and that her sorrow would haunt the land forever.

The Weeping Bridge is said to be the exact spot where Marta was thrown into the stream as punishment. Since then, her ghost wanders the area, lamenting endlessly and searching for forgiveness.

Local farmers claim to hear muffled crying from the bridge on foggy mornings. Travelers have reported a sudden drop in temperature when crossing at night. Some hear whispers in an ancient Hungarian dialect, Marta's native tongue, asking for help.

One hiker, stranded by fog, swore he saw a figure in white weeping on the bridge, and when he approached, she vanished, leaving behind the scent of damp earth and roses. A few say the bridge's wooden planks sometimes appear soaked with fresh water, even on dry days.

In Slovakia, it's considered a cautionary tale about betrayal, injustice, and the weight of unresolved sorrow.

Locals advise against crossing the Weeping Bridge alone after sunset, especially if you hear crying. Some say looking into the water for too long invites Marta's spirit to pull you beneath the surface, joining her eternal lament.

***

You guyssssssssss,

I can't believe we completed 200 chapters, and sadly came to the end of this book... or did we?

I know how much you guys enjoyed this book, and I also enjoyed doing the research and giving you the urban legends I could find. The sad news is, I can't continue this book. The good news is, I've made "Urban Legends pt. 2" - cause let's be honest, we can never have enough of them.

So, if you are interested, go ahead and check it out!

Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, ya girl loves you!

- Simran