Buzz
Utah's Timpanogos Peak, with its silhouette mirroring a resting young woman, veils a tearful love tragedy within its embrace.
Embark on an American journey to the mountain resembling a slumbering maiden
Legend speaks of an ancient Native American tribe dwelling on this peak, worshipping the deity Timpanogos. Annually, a maiden was chosen as a sacrificial offering to the gods.
That year, Utahna, the chieftain's beautiful daughter, reached the age for sacrifice. Blindfolded, she and other maidens picked pebbles from a porcelain dish. Fatefully, Utahna drew the black stone, sealing her fate as the chosen sacrifice.
The tribe lamented, wishing to replace Utahna with another. Yet, accepting her destiny, she bid farewell to her people, venturing towards the highest summit to fulfill her sacrificial duty.
At the mountain's crest, Utahna knelt, imploring the deity Timpanogos for rain to bless the parched earth. With her prayers complete, she extended her arms, ready to offer herself to the divine by leaping from the peak.
Suddenly, from behind, Red Eagle, a warrior of another tribe residing on the mountain, emerged. Moved by her beauty and virtue, he decided to call out to her, aiming to halt the sacrifice.
Hearing his voice, Utahna turned and fell at Red Eagle's feet, softly begging for forgiveness for her people's error and offering herself as the sacrifice. Misunderstood as the deity Timpanogos, Red Eagle chose to remain silent, leading her away from the peak.
Understanding that Utahna would seek to complete her mission if she learned the truth, Red Eagle guided her to a cave distant from both their tribes. There, he revealed to Utahna that her sacrifice was accepted, and their people would be saved.
Convinced Red Eagle was the noble deity Timpanogos, Utahna followed him without doubt. During storms, Red Eagle feigned anger, remaining silent, but he became jovial and conversational when the weather cleared.
One day, during a hunt, Red Eagle encountered a fierce bear and was gravely injured, succumbing to fever for days. It was then Utahna realized he was not the deity Timpanogos. After nursing Red Eagle back to health, heartbroken, she decided to return to the peak to fulfill her unfinished sacrifice.
Without Utahna in sight, Red Eagle sensed a foreboding omen. He searched everywhere, his calls echoing across the mountain, yet found no reply. Suddenly, he saw the woman he loved standing at the mountain's summit, her arms wide in prayer. Without hesitation, she leapt into the deep abyss below.
Heartbroken, Red Eagle found Utahna's body and carried her back to their cave. He laid her beside a crystal-clear lake, silently watching over her until he collapsed.
Touched by their devotion, the deity Timpanogos transformed their hearts into a large stone heart within the cave. Henceforth, it was whispered among the tribes that Utahna's form had merged with Mount Timpanogos, shaping it into the figure of a sleeping maiden.
Additional Information
Timpanogos, the second highest peak in Utah's Wasatch Range, is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain, making it a favored destination for climbers. The best times for exploration are late spring and early fall.
The closest international airport to Mount Timpanogos is Salt Lake City, located about 45 miles away.
Source: Vnexpress.net
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourAugust 21, 2015
