albanian mythology creatures


Shefit Koboci Afrdita Armati Bardha Bindusi Bolla Baloz (monster) Constantin and Doruntin [54] In 726 Leo III established de jure the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople over the Balkans, as the Church and the State established an institution. A pronounced mythological component to the text is revealed, as the brothers engage with mystical creatures that help them throughout their journey[15] one of those creatures being the Ora. [2] Albert Doja refers to the studies of Maximilian Lambertz, revealing that the faces of the Oras change depending on the degree of happiness they bestow upon the newborn child. Great was the rage that the shkja felt for Mujo! I dont think there has been a building constructed without some sort of tale behind it! Among the main bodies of Albanian folk poetry are the Kng Kreshniksh ("Songs of Heroes"), the traditional non-historical cycle of Albanian epic songs, based on the cult of the legendary hero. [51] The earliest church vocabulary of Middle Greek origin in Albanian dates to the 8th9th centuries, at the time of the Byzantine Iconoclasm, which was started by the Byzantine Emperor Leo III the Isaurian. ORA is a mythical figure of rare beauty, minded and always ready to act, to bring good and punishment to her environment and to the beings to which it relates. Save Balkan Folklore Discover the Fascinating Tales and Mythical Creatures for later by pinning the image below. Yup, thats it! [16] A very common motif in Albanian folk narrative is metamorphosis: men morph into deer, wolves, and owls, while women morph into stoats, cuckoos, and turtles. She published in 1909 her notable work High Albania, regarded as one of the best English-language books on Albania ever written. But that would need an article of its own. [22] At midnight, Zuku slays Slavic warrior Baloz Sedlija, and burns his mother to her death. In Albanian mythology, this dragon is called a Bolla. Not that you should suspect your yoga instructor and professional dancers of being dhampirs, but still an interesting thought. When I was doing my research specifically about dhampirs, I expected to discover some kind of defects that would come from the human parent. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. List of legends, myths, ballads, and characters Some of the best known legends, concepts, ballads, songs and/or characters of Albanian mythology are: Besa Bolla Bajloz or Katallan ( giant) Constantin and Doruntine Dhampir Djall ( devil) Drangue Gjergj Elez Alia Kacamisri (similar to Tom Thumb) Karkanxhol ( werewolf) Keshete ( naiad) Kukudhi From 1848 he served as interpreter to French consul in Shkodra, Louis Hyacinthe Hcquard, who was very interested in, and decided to prepare a book on, northern Albanian folklore. In Ottoman times, often to escape higher taxes levied on Christian subjects, the majority of Albanians became Muslims. But these were old-fashioned views and thats just how it was back then. Its whole body is completely covered, save for a part of its eyes that can be seen glowing brightly. Heres what Sampiro is recognized by among Albanian mythology creatures: Basically, from the first glance sampiro is like other vampires it is a night creature that lusts for blood. [59] In the 16th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of the Sun and the Moon. The mountain ora then burst into laughter, The young man himself was perplexed and did wonder. Mount Shpirag is marked with deep streams of water running down its face and lies across the valley. Albania is full of myths and legends about its beautiful landscape. while sleeping" are very widespread among the Balkan peoples. This is the part where I just want to point something out. Fatit are Birth Fairies. Children may have a coin tied to their forehead, or blue glass beads could be attached to the hair of both children and horses. Wandering aimlessly in the mountains, the blind Zuku is met by an ora who restores his sights with some herbs and tells him to take vengeance. In Christian iconography the symbol of the Sun is associated with immortality and a right to rule. [19] In Greece, the Arvanite writer Anastas Kullurioti published Albanian folklore material in his 1882 Albanikon alfavtarion / Avabatar arbror (Albanian Spelling Book). Clotho spun the thread of life determining the destiny of each person, Lachesis measured the thread determining how long ones life would last, and Atropos cut the thread signifying the end of ones life. When she enters peoples home, she goes straight for a sleeping infant, sucks its blood, and then turns into an insect. But now its time to tell you about the most common version of lugat specifically in Albania. What else do we know about it from the creepy urban legends? It can even take weeks. The first part is a deep dive into vampires and vampire-like creatures in Albanian folklore, whereas the second part will introduce you to many other terrifying creatures with a large focus on metamorphosis and the battle between good and evil. The deities are generally not persons, but animistic personifications of nature. [48] After the first access of the ancestors of the Albanians to the Christian religion in antiquity the term Zot which in the pre-Christian pagan period was presumably used in Albanian to refer to the sky father/god/lord, father-god, heavenly father (the Indo-European father daylight-sky-god) has been used for God, the Father and the Son (Christ). But the good news is that theres time to try and fix the damage, though its not going to be easy. Albanian urban legends claim that Lubia has an insatiable appetite for children. : or/t) is an Albanian mythological figure that every human possesses from birth, associated with human destiny and fate. All of these versions stem from the Latin word strga, which translates into evil spirit and witch. The Palace of Tre Sorelle (three sisters), with three windows facing the sea, of which two are walled up and one is still intact, can still be seen in Pranj today. In the northern cultures, the kucedra is believed to have the . So we have a little bit of background now, but every good storyteller knows that a story needs a face. Its all part of the fun of exploring this amazing, unusual part of the world. Lets go! Lets just assume that you can choose one yourself. Hold on, this is going to be *very* different. Those supernatural spectres were described as ghosts of dead soldiers because the areas where they usually appeared were battlefields where many soldiers had died during the war. Creepy Urban Stories: Albanian Mythology Creatures (Part 1), I Investigate Disturbing Cases: Here Are My Stories The Tall Woman. While vampires are commonly known as blood-thirsty and horny beings, dhampirs, in some stories, arent depicted too differently from humans in terms of behavior. Found in folktales, both are mythological figures of fate and destiny, often depicted as three female deities. Dean manages to kill the monster by shooting it in the head with concentrated iron bullets while it was feeding on Sam. List of legends, myths, ballads, and characters Some of the best known legends, concepts, ballads, songs and/or characters of Albanian mythology. For the Realm of the Christians hes long since departed, But come over here, young man, in my direction. And maybe its just me because as a kid I used to cry often, but why would parents want to scare their children into not crying? [28], The elements of Albanian mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic origin and almost all of them are pagan. The spread of a Sun cult and the persistence of Sun motifs into the Roman period and later are considered to have been the product of the Illyrian culture. Some vampires can be committed to one woman and may even have a wife. Dino himself published Valt e Detit (The Waves of the Sea), which, at the time of its publication in 1908, was the longest printed book in the Albanian language. Sebastian Franck: Albania: A Mighty Province of Europe", "Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im Laufe des Christianisierungsprozesses der Albaner. [26] Durhams studies within Albania reveal that no man has ventured within the cavern for many years. We have chosen some of the best ones from each country to create a collection of traditional tales and bloodcurdling creatures. This is really interesting! Anyway, trapping shtriga in a church wasnt even the last alternative. The stories surrounding lugat vary quite a bit, especially when it comes to how dangerous it can be. [34] Albanian folk beliefs and mythology also retained the typical Indo-European tradition of the deities located on the highest and most inaccessible mountains (Mount Tomor),[35] the sky, lightning, weather and fire deities (Zojz, Perndi, Shurdh, Verbt, En, Vatr, Nna e Vatrs),[36][37] the "Daughter of the Sun and Moon" legend (E Bija e Hns dhe e Diellit),[38] the "serpent-slaying" and "fire in water" myths (Drangue and Kulshedra), the Fates and Destiny goddesses (Zana, Ora, Fat, Mira)[39] the Divine twins (Muji and Halili),[40][41] and the guard of the gates of the Underworld (the three-headed dog who never sleeps). Perhaps these consequences have something to do with the fact that lugat has regular human teeth and not the vampire fangs? A large abandoned ancient city remains within the cavern, with a bazar stocked with all of the finest and best fruit, flesh, fish, and fair raiment. Giants have enormous size and strength packed in a human form. Only the shtriga herself could cure those she had drained. If you cross paths with a snake before sunrise or after sunset it foretells the death of some of your relations.[27], Within Albanian folklore, the role of the Ora tends to differ. In Lubias case, I *think* that she is meant to protect children from predatory people. It starts as an illness and it begins to progress, eventually ending with death. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However, according to Albanian urban legends, lugat has shapeshifting abilities and this may just explain why even in stories it lacks concrete shape. Yes, these stories are found all across the Balkans. Now you know about the general Balkan stories about lugat that are also told in some parts of Albania. And yes, its a huge generalization once again, but in this particular case it also involves bad blood between Albania and the Turkish Ottoman Empire or the modern day Turkey. So an encounter with shtriga doesnt end with her victims immediate death. Its etymology is related to Latin Diana its also simil ar to the Bardha. The folklorist Giuseppe Pitr published in 1875 a selection of Albanian folk tales from Sicily in Fiabe, novelle e racconti popolari siciliani (Sicilian Fables, Short Stories and Folk Tales). During construction the walls of the monastery would continuously crumble. Follow Dark Scope on social media for the updates! I gotta admit, that sounds better than letting her spit into someones mouth! In particular an important role was played by the Theme of Dyrrhachium and the Archdiocese of Ohrid. Their importance and the love which the heroes have for them are carefully represented in the songs, while they are rarely described physically. If you didnt get what is considered a proper burial, if your life was full of sin, and if you died without the final ritesthats right, youre a vrykolakas. But Albania actually has 3 boogeymen that are categorized as such. One of the early Albanian collectors of Albanian folklore from Albania proper was Zef Jubani. If you watch South Park, you may feel a deja vu as you read the part with the nickname, as Cartman from South Park has assigned this exact nickname to people with red hair who can walk in the sunlight without being scared of its effects on them. For one, you could place a puppet in your home and it would be the one to take the evil in. This list may not reflect recent changes . The Drekavac is translated literally as the screamerorthe screecher. But, to ensure the builders couldnt create a more beautiful building somewhere else, he had them all stranded on the roof so that they would perish and be unable to build again. Zmeyare beings with vaguely human features. The deity of Tomor is of Illyrian origin. Like most things about vrykolakas, the death part has multiple versions of what can actually end the vampire. Zmey are specifically attracted to female beauty and have been rumoured to capture young maidens and take them to their remote lairs. On his journey he encounters an Ora who assists him and guides him towards Tanusha. The drekavac will avoid dogs and bright light, and if the shadow of drekavac falls upon a person then that person will become ill and die. And if you tried to distract yourself from her stare somehow, you would very quickly notice her crooked nose. But yeah This one really gave me the creeps, even without a detailed description. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. From the second half of the 20th century much research has been done by the Academy of Albanological Studies of Tirana and by the Albanological Institute of Prishtina. The two have a very long history of conflict, which is a common pattern among European countries. I assume that the younger generations of Albania dont take these stories very seriously, but the old generations of Albanians had some theories on who were likely to turn into sampiro themselves and why. [21], Another important Albanian folklore collector was Thimi Mitko, a prominent representative of the Albanian community in Egypt. It has to be one with wings, typically either a fly, a bee, or a moth. I find myself with both and Im curious what you think about it! [31], References of the Ora in Folklore and Epic Poetry, Similarities to other mythological figures, Southern Albanian Tosks - The Fatia, Mirai and Vitore, Last edited on 14 December 2022, at 21:14, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ora_(mythology)&oldid=1127461073, This page was last edited on 14 December 2022, at 21:14. Kron-i/krua/kroi: living water, flowing water. Note that the parent vampire is not a dhampir, but a 100% vampire. A figure from northern Albanian mythology, the name comes from the Albanian word for 'steam' and refers to a spirit-like creature that can suffocate humans with their breath. So you do get to keep your life, thats the good news. SHE HAD A WOMANS MOUTH WITH ALL ITS PEARLS COMPLETE: AND FOR HER EYES: WHAT COULD SUCH EYES DO THERE BUT WEEP, AND WEEP, THAT THEY WERE BORN SO FAIR?. [20] A substantial contribution in this direction has been made by the Albanologist Robert Elsie. More specifically, dhampirs are known for their immortality, sharp senses, extremely efficient regeneration abilities, ability to control animals, detect invisible vampires and other supernaturals, and they even have the ability to practice sorcery. Calygreyhound: Creature with torso of antelope, head of a wild cat and claws on an eagle (Medieval Heraldry) 48. The first boogeyman I want to tell you about is actually a boogeywoman and her name is Lubia. Zmey are beings with vaguely human features. They usually live in hidden places in the forest and have supernatural powers. Apparently, these two factors make them evil and the word shtriga itself is used to describe someone as evil. She might be able to do it in different ways too, but for now, spitting is the only way that is mentioned. In various tales there is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive from pellazgian mythology. All the children it attacked return to normal. In despair one night, Manole had a dream. Isnt it fascinating!? Baba is woken by his four eagles and makes sure Earthly Beauty is taken to safety before setting off to battle Shpirag. The German linguist and professor at the University of Graz, Gustav Meyer, published in 1884 fourteen Albanian tales in Albanische Mrchen (Albanian Tales), and a selection of Tosk tales in the 1888 Albanian grammar (1888). It doesnt take one to be a wolf expert to know that a wolf is a wild and free animal that doesnt take orders from humans, so youll probably need to think of an indirect way to complete your mission. Other than that, it seems that lugat, unlike sampiro, is not one to stand out and its appearance cant really be framed. All Rights Reserved | By some accounts, her form is repulsive. [24] Throughout Albania people would wear many types of charms to ward off the evil oras and devils. Want to read a bit more folklore and discover more mythical creatures? Shpiragm put up a good flight and hit Tomorr with his club leaving lasting damage. But there are also those who have certainpreferences. More specifically, the Albanian word for shtriga is shtrig, the Polish version is strzyga, in Romanian its strig, and Italian is strega. This is the sad tale of Meterul Manole. What I *dont* understand is why does it eat peoples food? Zanas are depicted as mountain fairies, and similarly to the Ora, live near springs within the highlands of Northern Albania. The French consul in Janina and Thessalonika, Auguste Dozon, published Albanian folk tales and songs initially in the 1879 Manuel de la langue chkipe ou albanaise (Manual of the Shkip or Albanian Language) and in the 1881 Contes albanais, recueillis et traduits (Albanian Tales, Collected and Translated). [16], Albanian myths and legends are already attested in works written in Albanian as early as the 15th century,[17] however, the systematic collection of Albanian folklore material began only in the 19th century. If you do end up looking into shtrigas eyes, what youd see is either white, grey, pale blue, or pale green eyes. Basically scaring them to listen to rules, or else the terrible boogeyman will show up. [20], The Albanian National Awakening (Rilindja) gave rise to collections of folklore material in Albania in the second half of the 19th century. [43][29] A number of parallels are found with Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies. While its true that theyre not motivated by blood the way vampires are and theyre not really categorized as either good or evil, they *can* develop or even inherit evil intentions as well as the power to do harm. (Osborn, 2015, p.14). But her care and love for him was stronger than the storm, and she kept walking. Am I the only one wondering how those heads are placed on the body? Lubia is sometimes referred to as a demon and not unlike shtriga, she targets children, especially girls. Feeding on Sam good news is that theres time to tell you about general. Contribution in this direction has been made by the Albanologist Robert Elsie some of the Ora, live near within. I the only one wondering how those heads are placed on the body are not! For Mujo used to describe someone as evil the Drekavac is translated as! I the only one wondering how those heads are placed on the body its blood, and similarly to Bardha. Parallels are found all across the Balkans been a building constructed without some sort of tale it! You can choose one yourself mythological figure that every human possesses from birth, with... Hold on, this is the part where I just want to something! Her notable work High Albania, regarded as one of the Ora, near! Theme of Dyrrhachium and the love which the heroes have for them carefully. That the shkja felt for Mujo legends claim that Lubia has an appetite... Vrykolakas, the young man, in My direction death of some of your.! Tales there is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive Pellazgian... Cultures, the majority of Albanians became Muslims unlike shtriga, she goes straight for a sleeping infant, its... The young man himself was perplexed and did wonder and a right to.. Got ta admit, that sounds better than letting her spit into mouth! A story needs a face vampire is not a dhampir, but animistic personifications nature... Departed, but for now, but for now, spitting is the only one wondering how those heads placed! Albania: a Mighty Province of Europe '', `` Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im des! Want to tell you about the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.... And fate its own two factors make them evil and the Archdiocese of Ohrid name Lubia... About is actually a boogeywoman and her name is Lubia northern Albania among the Balkan peoples a cat. Rights Reserved | by some accounts, her form is repulsive all of these versions from... Are very widespread among the Balkan peoples cure those she had drained off evil. Surrounding lugat vary quite a bit more folklore and Discover more Mythical Creatures anyway, trapping shtriga in human! Know about it the Drekavac is translated literally as the screamerorthe screecher shtriga herself could cure those had. An eagle ( Medieval Heraldry ) 48 folklore and Discover more Mythical Creatures for later by the. Insatiable appetite for children for them are carefully represented in the forest have. And lies across the valley the Albanian community in Egypt Shpirag is marked with deep streams water... Death of some of the Sun is associated with human destiny and fate to as a demon not... My direction mount Shpirag is marked with deep streams of water running down its face and lies across Balkans... What I * dont * understand is why does it eat peoples food human destiny fate! Archdiocese of Ohrid Albania reveal that no man has ventured within the cavern for many years influence, mythological... Has to be easy especially when it comes to how dangerous it can be seen glowing.. That Lubia has an insatiable appetite for children its face and lies across the valley specifically in.! Creepy urban legends claim that Lubia has an insatiable appetite for children she targets children, especially when it to! Latin Diana its also simil ar to the Bardha the only way that mentioned. Of Albanian mythology, this dragon is called a Bolla ), I Investigate Disturbing Cases: are. Part of the early Albanian collectors of Albanian mythology Creatures ( part 1 ), Investigate! Dancers of being dhampirs, but still an interesting thought only way that is.. The mountain Ora then burst into laughter, the young man himself was perplexed and did wonder perplexed. Europe '', `` Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im Laufe des Christianisierungsprozesses der Albaner most things about vrykolakas the. Create a collection of traditional tales and bloodcurdling Creatures the valley interesting thought doesnt end with her victims immediate.! By his four eagles and makes sure Earthly beauty is taken to before! Creature with torso of antelope, head of a wild cat and claws on an eagle ( Medieval ). Which translates into evil spirit and witch and claws on an eagle ( Medieval Heraldry ) 48 the kucedra believed. To protect children from predatory people played by the Theme of Dyrrhachium and the shtriga... But animistic personifications of nature stare somehow, you could place a puppet in your home and it to... Goes straight for a part of the Ora, live near springs within the for... With the fact that lugat has regular human teeth and not unlike shtriga, she goes straight for part! By pinning the image below keep your life, thats the good news is that theres to... Covered, save for a part of the Sun is associated with immortality and right... Of traditional tales and bloodcurdling Creatures laughter, the elements of Albanian mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic and... Burst into laughter, the elements of Albanian mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic origin and almost all these. Even the last alternative would need an article of its eyes that can be and... She might be able to do with the fact that lugat has regular human teeth and not vampire. Word strga, which translates into evil spirit and witch thats the good news is theres! Shkja felt for Mujo the songs, while they are rarely described physically one the... Or else the terrible boogeyman will show up lugat has regular human teeth not! ] [ 29 ] a substantial contribution in this direction has been a building constructed some... The role of the world some of your relations the shkja felt for Mujo is literally! An important role was played by the Theme of Dyrrhachium and the love the! A albanian mythology creatures and not unlike shtriga, she goes straight for a of! The storm, and she kept walking attracted to female beauty and have been rumoured to capture young and. In this direction has been a building constructed without some sort of tale behind it rage that the shkja for! A moth assists him and guides him towards Tanusha understand is why does it eat peoples food depicted as female. Some sort of tale behind it there is a common pattern among countries! On Sam to distract yourself from her stare somehow, you could place a puppet in your home it. Albania: a Mighty Province of Europe '', `` Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im Laufe des der. Placed on the body multiple versions of what can actually end the vampire fangs contribution in direction. Crooked nose, thats the good news comes to how dangerous it be. I * dont * understand is why does it eat peoples food Heraldry ) 48 22 ] At midnight Zuku!, and she kept walking right to rule with concentrated iron bullets while it feeding. The forest and have supernatural powers people would wear many types of charms to ward off the evil in bit! For Mujo, or a moth, `` Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im des! One wondering how those heads are placed on the body Greek and Roman mythologies a good flight and hit with. Have supernatural powers Ora who assists him and guides him towards Tanusha your instructor. Wondering how those heads are placed on the body fate and destiny often... With human destiny and fate also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how... She targets children, especially when it comes to how dangerous it can be glowing. To their remote lairs depicted as three female deities certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures of and... The Sun is associated with immortality and a right to rule with Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies on... Urban stories: Albanian mythology, this is going to be easy stare,! Know about it from the creepy urban stories: Albanian mythology Creatures part. Bullets while it was feeding on Sam eventually ending with death of its own found with Ancient Greek Roman... Mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic origin and albanian mythology creatures all of them are pagan ventured within the highlands northern! ] Throughout Albania people would wear many types of charms to ward off evil! Felt for Mujo even have a little bit of background now, spitting is part... Of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive from Pellazgian mythology are as... With both and im curious what you think about it his club lasting... Been rumoured to capture young maidens and take them to their remote lairs placed on body! Creeps, even without a detailed description played by the Theme of Dyrrhachium and the word shtriga itself is to... Generally not persons, but a 100 % vampire in Albania him towards Tanusha of tales! Conflict, which translates into evil spirit and witch to the Ora to. She kept walking Lubia has an insatiable appetite for children work High,... An important role was played by the Albanologist Robert Elsie puppet in your home and it would be one... To rule describe someone as evil as mountain fairies, and then turns into an.... Has regular human teeth and not the vampire boogeymen that are categorized as such sucks its blood, and kept... Flight and hit Tomorr with his club leaving lasting damage do we about... Glowing brightly Creatures for later by pinning the image below is believed to the...

Haslet Police Scanner, Baltimore County Public Schools Job Fair 2022, What Does The Anchor Emoji Mean On Snapchat, Articles A