01 / RESEARCHFolklore notes
Rolandia describes the Iele (Ielele in the plural) as beings seen only at night, dancing in the woods in soft, translucent dresses, with loose hair, crystal-like voices, and beauty said to be beyond words. Some traditions regard them as goddesses of the woods. The article notes debate over their origins, recounting beliefs that they are the souls of cursed women who found no peace after death, daughters of Alexander the Great, or Dacian high priestesses and guardians of nature. These are folklore accounts, not established historical facts.
02 / FICTIONFictional story
A strange song draws Toma Runc from a quiet village into the Carpathian forest. The sound awakens an old fear: years earlier, his younger brother vanished on the night of Rusalii. Some villagers blamed the Iele, but Toma never learned what truly happened.
Following the music, Toma hears the Iele dancing somewhere among the trees. He finds a clearing marked by a mysterious circle. When he returns to examine it, he discovers muddy footprints and follows their trail into the forest.
Toma is looking for answers to this new case. But every step also brings him closer to the question that has haunted him for years: could the Iele be connected to his brother's disappearance?
