The Cavall Bernat legend.

The legend of the stone Horse in Montserrat named The Caval Bernat.

Legend has it that a long time ago there was a lumberjack living in a village around Montserrat. He earned his living cutting and selling wood that he gathered from the forests of Montserrat mountain. It was hard work. Long days were passed cutting trees with his ax and transporting them to the villages in the valley via the Llobregat river.

The lumberjack made a deal with the Devil to ease his hard work. The Devil gave him a horse called Bernat, a horse as fast as lightning, to help him with his work. The lumberjack told the horse: “Horse Bernat, (Caval Bernat) carry the wood to the Llobregat river.” And, as quick as lightning, the wood was quickly transported to the river. One who makes agreements with the Devil must always give something in return. The lumberjack agreed to provide the Devil a horse with similar characteristics within ten years.

The lumberjack became rich, thanks to the help of the Bernat horse, but had totally forgotten about his promise to the Devil. But after ten years, on the day that he was required to provide the other horse, the Devil reminded him of his promise. The lumberjack’s wife prayed to the Virgin “La Muraneta – Black Madonna” for help. At that moment, a light filled the forest, scaring the Devil. Then, the Devil and the Bernat horse disappeared. In their place stood a stone pointing to the sky: this is the Bernat Horse ” Caval Bernat”.