White Elephant — С‚рёс‚р»рѕрірё Сѓсђрїсѓрєрё

"A gift for the most faithful," the Voivode declared. But as the gates of the palace closed, Jovan saw the faint, cruel smile on the ruler's face.

Jovan soon realized the true nature of his "blessing." The horse was sacred; it could not be used to pull a plow, carry goods to market, or even be ridden for travel. To work the animal was an insult to the Voivode. "A gift for the most faithful," the Voivode declared

The horse eventually died of old age, leaving Jovan with nothing but a pile of silk and a mountain of debt. When the news reached the palace, the Voivode simply laughed and sent a message: "I have another for you, Jovan. This one is even whiter." Origin of the Phrase White Elephant Explained To work the animal was an insult to the Voivode