These lesser known mountain folktales have a lot to teach us about our modern obsession with ambition and perfection
Published: 3rd Oct 2024
Author: Sean Nixon
Mountains. They’re the ultimate metaphors, right? Massive, imposing, full of secrets, and nearly always shrouded in a bit of mystery. People have been telling stories about them for centuries. But here’s the thing: these stories aren’t just about the people who got lost or found something magical at the top. They’re about us—and the decisions we make when facing our own uphill battles.
Each of the six tales I’ve shared below has a unique takeaway. Lessons buried deep within stories from cultures around the world — lessons on boundaries, persistence, fear and knowing when to quit.
So, lace up your boots (metaphorically - or literally if you're in the mood) and let’s go for a quick, light hike through some mountain folklore.
1. Mount Othrys and the Battle of the Titans - adapt or fall behind
Imagine this: the Titans of Greek mythology, ruling over the cosmos from Mount Othrys, thinking they’re untouchable. But then the younger, sharper Olympians show up and wipe the floor with them. Why? Because the Titans were stubborn. They clung to their old ways, assuming their size and strength would keep them in power forever.
Takeaway:
Being stuck in old habits is a death sentence. I once had a mentor who was brilliant but he refused to change his approach despite major shifts in our industry.
While he insisted on clinging to tried-and-tested traditional methods, I knew it was important to open up to new tech and tools to keep up with the marketplace. Eventually, my adaptability opened up opportunities for growth, while my mentor struggled to keep up (though to be fair, he wasn’t too far from retirement at the time).
Experience is so important but embracing change is also essential if you want to stay relevant and thrive. Clinging to outdated methods only ends one way: left in the dust.
2. The Stone Woman of Monte Catria - knowing when to let go
In Italy’s Apennine Mountains, there’s a legend about a woman who was turned into stone after trying to manipulate the spirits of the mountain.
Her goal? To harness power for herself. Despite repeated warnings to stop, she pushed on, believing she could outsmart the mountain. Spoiler alert: she couldn’t. Now, she’s stuck there forever, a statue of what happens when you just won’t quit—even when you’re clearly on the wrong path.
Takeaway:
Not every mountain is meant to be conquered. Sometimes, just knowing when to quit is the bravest decision you can make. If a project, a goal, or even a dream is pulling you under, it’s okay to let it go.
Quitting doesn’t always mean failure— it can also mean you’ve finally made room for something better.
3. Ben Macdui and the Grey Man - fear is the real enemy
Picture this: you’re alone on Ben Macdui, the highest peak in the Scottish Cairngorms, and a thick fog rolls in.
Suddenly, you’re not so sure if you’re actually alone anymore. A tall, shadowy figure appears through the mist—the infamous Grey Man. Most people say he’s just a trick of the mind, a projection of fear. But here’s the catch: he only shows up when climbers are already panicking.
Takeaway:
Not every mountain is meant to be conquered. Sometimes, just knowing when to quit is the bravest decision you can make.
If a project, a goal, or even a dream is pulling you under, it’s okay to let it go. Quitting doesn’t always mean failure—it can also mean you’ve finally made room for something better.
4. Nanda Devi and the forbidden mountain - respecting boundaries
Nanda Devi, a Himalayan goddess, is fiercely protective of her mountain. Locals believe that anyone who disrespects the sacred peak by climbing too far or acting with greed will be met with disaster.
In the 1960s, several expeditions ignored these warnings, desperate to leave their mark. Tragedies piled up—a stark reminder that sometimes, “because I can” isn’t a good enough reason to do something.
Takeaway:
It’s about knowing when to respect boundaries, whether they’re set by nature, other people, or even yourself. Pushing past limits without thought or respect leads to burnout or broken relationships. Ambition is great, but so is knowing when to step back.
5. Mount Ararat and the Unyielding Shepherd: The Dangers of Tunnel Vision
The Armenian tale of Mount Ararat’s shepherd speaks of a man who lost sight of everything else in his life because of one stubborn focus: finding his lost lamb.
He pushed forward through storms and peril, blind to the fact that he was risking his own life. Instead of changing tactics or accepting the loss, he drove himself to ruin. The mountain took everything because he couldn’t see beyond his immediate goal.
Takeaway:
Don’t get so fixated on one outcome that you forget to see the bigger picture.
I once poured my heart into landing a particular job I thought was my dream job. I made it through 3 laborious interview rounds and was so focused on impressing them that I ignored the signs that the role and company culture wasn’t a fit for me. So when a rejection came at the last stage, after dealing with the initial disappointment, I took a step back and realized I had actually dodged a bullet and moved on to a much better opportunity.
Tunnel vision can cloud your judgment, but being adaptable and aware of your surroundings is essential for success in any climb —literal or figurative.
6. Jirisan’s scholar and the elixir of wisdom - it’s about the journey, not the prize
In Korea, there’s a story about a scholar who climbed Jirisan, convinced he could find an elixir that would grant him perfect wisdom.
He searched for years, nearly losing his mind. But when he finally reached the top, exhausted and empty-handed, it hit him: the elixir wasn’t a physical thing. It was in the insights and lessons he’d gathered along the way.
Takeaway:
Takeaway? We all want quick fixes—success hacks, fast tracks to our dream jobs, instant mastery of new skills. But the truth is, the “elixir” is found in the grind. The wisdom comes from the struggle, the failure, the trying again. Stop chasing shortcuts and start valuing the journey itself.
These tales all circle back to one simple truth. Mountains—both real and metaphorical—don’t care about our ambitions or fears. They just are. It’s up to us to approach them with humility, persistence and a good dose of self-awareness.
The next time you’re facing a tough decision or standing at the base of your own personal mountain, ask yourself: Are you adapting, respecting boundaries, and learning from the climb? Or are you charging ahead blindly, pushing past limits, and clinging to outdated habits?
Because in the end, the mountain (like the house) always wins. But if you’re smart about it, you can make it to the top—one wise, deliberate step at a time.
