This Homer-esque character was considered an outcast and weirdo in the local community, but grew to profound, even symbolic importance among Zakopane’s intellectualist visitors, who saw in him a bard, a raconteur, and quintessential Góral. Born in 1809 under the name Jan Gąsienica - later changed to Jan Krzeptowski - Sabała spent his youth as a hunter and most likely a highwayman (which had a certain romantic appeal around these parts - think Robin Hood). In 1846, he and some thirty other Góral men took part in the Chochołów Uprising against the Austrian partitioning power (also known as the Insurrection Under the Tatras), which was squelched just two days after it started. Sabała spent two years in prison before being released during the 1848 Spring of Nations, by which time he was nearing forty, and decided to transition to less physically strenuous activities: music and storytelling. His instrument of choice was the złóbcoki, a type of Polish mountaineer fiddle, similar to the gusle; on it he played melodies which came to be known as Sabała’s Score, now often performed by regional folk bands. His music served as inspiration to composers Paderewski and Szymanowski, while on another front, Sabała’s stories - some true, some made up - were immortalised and popularised by writers Stanisław Witkiewicz, Henryk Sienkiewicz, and Wojciech Brzeg. Friend to many, he also guided Tytus Chaubiński and Stanisław Witkiewicz on their mountain treks, staged a "highwayman attack" for actress Helena Modrzejewska (known as Modjeska across the pond), and even became Witkacy's godfather. This stimulating lifestyle lead him to a ripe old age of 85, when he passed on peacefully in the Zacisze Villa. His grave can be found at the Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetary, while a memorial stands at the corner of ul. Zamoyskiego and ul. Chałubińskiego.