Bistrița springs from the Rodna Mountains and, after flowing through the towns of Bicaz, Piatra-Neamț, Roznov, Buhuşi, and Bacău, empties into the Siret River. The upper course of Bistrița is known as the Golden Bistrița.
Long ago, Siret was a proud warrior-chief, a voivode of noble heart and great strength. He had fallen deeply in love with Bistrița, a luminous mountain fairy. Perhaps he glimpsed her in a shaft of morning light among the trees, or perhaps she came to him first in a dream, but once he knew her, he could not live without her.
Bistrița loved him in return, but she hesitated. If she were to marry a mortal, she would lose her fairy nature and become bound to the cycle of time. Worse still, a cruel and powerful dragon, Inăul, had long vowed to take her as his bride. Not for love, but for power.
Sensing her heart had chosen another, Inăul sent his dark messengers to spy on the pair. They returned with news that Bistrița and Siret had pledged themselves to each other. Furious, Inăul summoned his kin, the most vicious dragons of the realm, and launched a war against Siret’s lands.
But Siret, brave and swift, called upon his people and met the dragons in battle. His strength was unmatched, his mace, when hurled, turned stone to dust and dragons to ash. After a long and bitter struggle, the dragons were cast out, and peace was restored.
With joy in their hearts, Siret and Bistrița traveled to the palace of Rodna, queen of the fairies and mother to Bistrița. There, they knelt and asked for her blessing. Though hesitant at first, Rodna was moved by their love and agreed. The wedding was prepared: torches lit the mountain ridges, sapphire tables were laid with silver foods, and fairy music filled the halls.