The Legend of Saint Marinus and the Bear

Among the ancient stones of Mount Titan, where the wind whispers millennial stories, one of the most fascinating legends of the Republic of San Marino has been passed down through generations. Like every great story, this tale combines historical truth with the magic of tradition, giving us an adventure that still makes eyes sparkle, regardless of age.

How the Legend of the Bear and Saint Marinus Began

It all began in the 3rd century AD when a humble stonemason named Marinus, who had fled from the island of Arbe in Dalmatia, found refuge on the slopes of Mount Titan. In those times, life wasn’t easy for a Christian: the Roman Empire viewed followers of the new faith with suspicion, and Marinus had to seek solitude and peace in remote places.

Our protagonist, who would later become the founding Saint of the world’s oldest republic, lived a simple life in a shelter carved into the rock in the locality called Baldasserona. His only traveling companion was a faithful little donkey that helped him with daily work, carrying stones and provisions.

Two Versions of the Same Magical Story

As often happens with the most beautiful legends, there are two versions of this extraordinary tale. Both speak of courage, wisdom, and that incredible ability to see beyond appearances that only the great of heart possess.

The First Tale: The Tame Bear

The first version tells us of a day like any other when Marinus, returning from his daily work, found a scene that would have made anyone tremble: a mighty bear had just made a meal of his faithful donkey. But instead of fleeing in terror, as anyone else would have done, Marinus showed extraordinary courage.

With the same calmness and authority that characterized him, he approached the fierce beast and, instead of punishing it, spoke to it firmly: since it had eaten his precious helper, now it would have to take its place. The bear, incredibly, became tame before such authority and willingly agreed to help the saint in his daily work.

The Second Version: An Adventure in the Woods

The second version of the legend adds even more adventurous elements to the story. In this variant, Marinus was trying to escape Roman persecutors who had put a bounty on his head. While crossing the woods near Montecerreto, he briefly left the path in search of berries to feed himself.

Upon his return, he found the bear that had just finished eating his donkey. But instead of giving in to fear, Marinus took some freshly picked berries from his bag and offered them to the bear with a gentle gesture. The animal, struck by such kindness, not only accepted the food but also allowed itself to be convinced to become the saint’s new mount.

This version has an even more surprising twist: just when the bandit Rufus and his accomplices were about to ambush Marinus to collect the bounty, the sight of the man riding the bear made them flee in terror, thus ensuring the future saint’s safety.

Where to Find Traces of the Legend Today

This extraordinary story doesn’t just live in tales passed down from generation to generation. Today we can admire the scene immortalized in the wonderful bas-relief created by San Marino stonemason Romeo Balsimelli, visible under the Cassa di Risparmio gallery in the City, at the beginning of the descent leading to the State Library.

The legend of the bear is just one of the many stories that make San Marino a unique and magical place. Every year on September 3rd, during the National Day of the Republic of San Marino, the Sammarinese remember their founding Saint and his extraordinary deeds. On this special day, the Basilica of San Marino, dedicated to the Saint, becomes the beating heart of the celebrations, welcoming faithful and visitors from around the world.

This legend teaches us that true strength lies not in violence or fear, but in kindness and the courage to face the most difficult situations with wisdom and determination. These are the values that have made San Marino the oldest republic in the world, a place where freedom and mutual respect continue to live, just like the magical story of the bear and the Saint.

Visiting these places today means immersing yourself in an atmosphere where history and legend merge, where every stone tells a story, and where children can still dream, imagining brave Marinus riding his unusual companion along the paths of Mount Titan.

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