albanian mythology creaturesalbanian mythology creatures

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. Albanian legendary creatures (16 P) Pages in category "Albanian mythology" The following 25 pages are in this category, out of 25 total. One then strolled near him and spoke to him, saying: The oras we are of the great earthly hero. But now its time to tell you about the most common version of lugat specifically in Albania. Revealed are the tales and adventures of warrior Gjeto Basho Mujo and his brother Sokol as they travel through what is now Albania. Kee-wakw: Cannibalistic Giant half-human and half-animal (Abenaki Mythology) 46. 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? [9] Ora travel with their person and provide protection. Manole had to keep his promise and the beautiful monastery was built. However, I wouldnt rule out the possibility of sexual attraction. Im on my way to the Realm of the Christians. Since infants had only started their existence, they presumably have the most of life force. Other than that, it seems that lugat, unlike sampiro, is not one to stand out and its appearance cant really be framed. [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. [11], From Albanian literature translated by Robert Elsie -. Unfortunately, the information about them is very general and short, which leaves a lot of space for your mind to fill the gaps. [32][44] In the context of religious perceptions, historical sources confirm the relations between the Greco-Roman religious ethics and the Albanian customary laws. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. According to popular belief, they returned to the area to search for their lost limbs. One of the early Albanian collectors of Albanian folklore from Albania proper was Zef Jubani. She published sixteen Albanian folk-stories translated in English in her 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader. 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. They are known in Albania specifically by their names and not the general vampire title. Travel Insight by Theme Palace | Privacy Policy. I love hearing mythology and folklore stories, especially ones Ive never heard from new places. By some accounts, her form is repulsive. 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. [17][18], Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (The Marriage of Halili), translated by Robert Elsie . 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. The creature is known for not taking the lives of its victims, it only takes enough for it to satisfy the growling stomach. [2] These would travel high into the clouds and even change into creepy, dark figures. And you wouldnt be wrong for seeking that because of what in Albanian is called syliga. The Ora ( Albanian: or, definite form: ora, pl. Often appearing on roads and meadows or next to rivers and creeks, they began as ambiguous, black mists, silhouettes and whirlwinds. The German physician Karl H. Reinhold collected Albanian folklore material from Albanian sailors while he was serving as a doctor in the Greek navy and in 1855 he published Noctes Pelasgicae (Pelasgian Nights). I was totally creeped out by the Drekavac too. This is so interesting! As a matter of fact, these stories tell us that dhampirs are just regular members of our societies that also happen to be Albanian mythology creatures. Thank you for sharing. Some vampires can be committed to one woman and may even have a wife. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that has suffered with war greatly. Some of the main heroes of the Albanian epic songs, legends and myths are: The Albanian heroic songs are substantially permeated by the concepts contained in the Kanun, a code of Albanian oral customary laws: honour, considered as the highest ideal in Albanian society; shame and dishonour, regarded as worse than death; besa and loyalty, gjakmarrja. Jerko, from Herceg Novi, could not choose between the sisters and, instead, he set off on a long sea voyage which he hoped would make the decision easier. Yeah, the Balkans are full of these tales! If you do end up looking into shtrigas eyes, what youd see is either white, grey, pale blue, or pale green eyes. Thank you so much for sharing! Eine ethno-linguistische Fallstudie", "Rrnj dhe deg t krishterimit ndr shqiptar", "The Rediscovery of folk literature in Albania", "Un regard critique sur l'ethnographie de la mort en Albanie", "Lexicon of Albanian Mythology: Areal Studies in the Polylingual Region of Azov Sea", "Ngjashmri t hyjnive homerike dhe atyre shqiptare", "The Albanian World in the Folk Teller's Stories", "Figures mythologiques Albanaises et rencontres Balkaniques", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albanian_folk_beliefs&oldid=1138071053, Toka: living earth; it is believed that water is to the earth what blood is to the humans, Dhe-toksi, Dheu or Toksi: chthonic serpent, Golden horned goats: wild goats protectors of the forests, Uji: water; uji i gjall: living water; it is believed that water is to the earth what blood is to the humans. But not until the rain completely washed their blood from the ground and when their bones were ploughed back into the earth. Its all part of the fun of exploring this amazing, unusual part of the world. De Rada and Camarda were the two main initiators of the Albanian nationalist cultural movement in Italy. hopefully they are just myths haha! 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. It goes without saying that because of its seemingly wicked character and powerful abilities lugat is seen as a dangerous and extremely violent creature that wishes to inflict violence and cruelty upon people. This next creature can, in some way, count as a vampire, although its best-known as a witch. Luckily, in this case, we do know what Bubas purpose is. [22] At midnight, Zuku slays Slavic warrior Baloz Sedlija, and burns his mother to her death. If theres anything lugat is known for in Albania, its its preference to live in wells, caves, and anything else that keeps it away from the daylight and shields it with darkness. 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. Fun facts! [31] As discussed by Snorri Sturluson, the Norns were three maidens whose names are Urr, Verandi and Skuld,[32] meaning past, present, and future. Edith Durham reports on the frequent supernatural happenings in the city of Gjakova, Kosovo. [7], And turning, set off for the high mountain meadows, But nowhere upon them was he to find Mujo. Or it eats their food? I just dont understand how they actually manage to get their prey, I mean this whole show sampiro creates really attracts attention, even in the dark. People who develop their blood thirst after an encounter with lugat are called sanguinarians. [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. The name can be used to express that a person is evil. 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. To tease? [3] Ancient Illyrian religion is considered to be one of the sources from which Albanian legend and folklore evolved,[29][30][31] reflecting a number of parallels with Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies. Evil Oras and devils would appear at night and then vanish at the first cock-crow two hours after midnight, as they were now powerless. The Shtriga appears in the Legends of Tomorrow episode "Wet Hot American Bummer." Bauk is described as hiding in dark places, holes or abandoned houses, waiting to grab, carry away, and devour its victim; it can be scared away by light and noise. Their stare would make people uncomfortable, and people were supposed to avoid looking them directly in the eyes because they have the evil eye (Albanian: syliga). Speaking of spitting into someones mouth If you want to avoid that for your children, or any children, for that matter, youll be relieved to know that in some Albanian regions its common to say mashaallah to children and babies while also touching their noses. [4], With the birth of each child many Oras gather in the night towards the cliffs to decide upon the qualities that child would receive. He is accompanied by two. Newborns, children or beautiful girls have been said to catch the evil eye more easily, so in some Albanian regions when meeting such a person, especially a newborn, for the first time, people might say "masha'allah" and touch the child's nose to show their benevolence and so that the evil eye would not catch the child. And that might have something to do with the rumored shtrigas desire to keep her immortality, which can be accomplished by sucking the life force, or blood, out of children. 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. Now you know about the general Balkan stories about lugat that are also told in some parts of Albania. Since this age demographic is more targeted by shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection against the evil eye. Bo's friends search for the creature after figuring out that the shtriga had bitten Bo in its moth form, leaving her comatose and dying as it feeds on her fears. The Drekavac is translated literally as the screamerorthe screecher. The folk storytellers have played an important role in preserving Albanian folklore. Perhaps thats the best way to undo her damage? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. But lets start with its appearance. This is the part where I just want to point something out. Depending on the culture, the appearance and abilities of the mythological creature may differ. This specific ability even got them a nickname Daywalker.. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It is considered to be home of thegods and Baba Tomorri, or Father Tomorr, is the human representation of the Mount. 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. I know that if I was a kid and saw a giant, Id do the opposite. [] HER HEAD WAS SERPENT, BUT AH, BITTER-SWEET! 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. Is it the Christian God? Interestingly enough, in Albania lugat is more often categorized as a demon rather than a vampire. We love to travel and share our Balkan experiences to assist and inspire. Dhampirs are a widely-spread subject in Balkan folklore, which includes Albania, todays subject. The Zana is a mythological figure within Northern Albanian Gheg folk beliefs and oral epics. [28] Robert Elsie described the Zana as muses of the mountains - as every mountain has its own Zana. Folklore of Northern Albania emphasizes that a shtriga is not born to be a witch. He envisioned that for the monastery to be built successfully he had to incorporate someone into its walls. Follow Dark Scope on social media for the updates! [59] In the 16th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of the Sun and the Moon. more appealing. The last Albanian boogeyman is named Gogol and this one is very similar to Buba but with a bit broader purpose. People who were in the sampiro list included liars, thieves, petty criminals in general, trans people and homosexuals, as well as people whowere too much into animals (if you know what I mean), and those who would frequent sex workers. Turns out that not only can lugats bite cause mental and spiritual distress, but it can also lead to the victim becoming the predator. These maidens would shape the life of every child that is born, appointing varying destinies to each similarly to the Ora. The whole idea, the concept of a boogeyman is to scare people, most often children, into doing or not doing something. So, if you feel bitter towards the witch and want revenge for all that shes done, that may be the way. the Bolla dragon. [8] Fire worship is associated with the cult of the Sun, the cult of the hearth and the cult of fertility in agriculture and animal husbandry. I dont know, I just think that its wrong to suppress emotions like that. The Vitore is often depicted as a golden horned serpent that would provide protection and bring good luck to the family of the house it resides in.[4]. Neighbours of Albania Montenegro Kosovo North Macedonia Greece Questions & Answers Who is the national founder of Albania? Because of this, the Prince threatened to murder Manole and his team. Lets start by dissecting the name shtriga and the meaning behind it! It is said that Lubia has many heads and regenerative abilities that can grow her heads back in case theyfall off in some way. Her mother grew angry and cursed them both. While Jin is a general reference to concealment, al-janin refers specifically to a fetus that is concealed in its mother's womb. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Albanian folk tales were first recorded in the middle of the nineteenth century by European scholars such as Johann Georg von Hahn, the Austrian consul in Janina (Ioannina), Karl H. Reinhold and Giuseppe Pitr. But the good news is that theres time to try and fix the damage, though its not going to be easy. B Baloz Bardha D Dhampir Div (mythology) Drangue E E Bija e Hns dhe e Diellit F Fatia K Kukudh Kulshedra L Ljubi O Ora (mythology) P Perria S . The problem is that this may be even more difficult than getting her to cure people, as she is not easily killed. Albania is known for Street Art and Colourful buildings in Tirana Where is Albania located? All in all, she is either middle-aged or an elderly woman who, judging from her dark stare alone, is definitely not a sweet and ordinary grandma. [32] Albanian legend also shows similarities with neighbouring Indo-European traditions, such as the oral epics with the South Slavs and the folk tales of the Greeks. : [10] A widespread folk symbol is the serpent, a totem of the Albanians associated with earth, water, sun, hearth and ancestor cults, as well as destiny, good fortune and fertility. Sometimes she manifests as a dark mass, or a shadow, which can be seen on a persons chest or neck during the night. [2] Baron Franz Nopcsa related the term Ora to the ancient Greek Oreads, nymphs of the mountains. Edith Durham recorded several methods traditionally considered effective for defending oneself from shtriga. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Travelling anywhere in the Balkan region, you are almost certain to be told one of these folklores or hear about a mythical beast. Foreign scholars first provided Europe with Albanian folklore in the second half of the 19th century, and thus set the beginning for the scholarly study of Albanian oral tradition. Calygreyhound: Creature with torso of antelope, head of a wild cat and claws on an eagle (Medieval Heraldry) 48. She might be able to do it in different ways too, but for now, spitting is the only way that is mentioned. [9] Besa is a common practice in Albanian culture, consisting of an oath taken by Sun, by Moon, by sky, by earth, by fire, by stone, by mountain, by water and by snake, which are all considered sacred objects. This list may not reflect recent changes . Balkan Folklore - North Macedonian Mythical Creatures It's time to meet some of North Macedonia's mythical creatures! Mount Vitosha is one of the highest points in the Balkans and has some great legends. Part 2 of creepy urban legends from Albania will be out soon. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There was no one to wall it up after she died. They are often depicted spinning, measuring, and cutting thread, revealing their control over human life. Amongst the creatures that the Henwen gave birth to were a bee, a piglet, a wolf cub and an eagle. Thank you so much for sharing! The birthing sow became to be a bad omen due to a prophecy, so the people of the isle chased her until she ran into the waters. [15] The characters in Albanian tales, legends and myths include humans, deities, demigods, monsters, as well as supernatural beings in the shapes of men, animals and plants. Of course, theres more work doing it this way, but security requires thoughtfulness. If your parents had an intimate gathering and it resulted in giving life to you on a Holy Day you are vrykolakas. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Note that the parent vampire is not a dhampir, but a 100% vampire. In Norse mythology, the Helm of Awe (also known as the Helm of Terror) is a magical item worn by the dragon Fafnir, who attributes much of his invincibility to its power. Her spell was so powerful that Vita was turned into black stone that is now known as the Black Peak while Lyulin suffered a similar fate and became Lyulin Mountain. The Balkan region is home to many captivating legends and mythical creatures. [26] Evil oras disguised as serpents would guard the cavern; for if any man were to touch the items within the ancient city, they would devour him in the darkness. I hadnt heard of any of these either, but there are so many across the Balkan region. Indeed, Mitko compiled and classified the material according to genres, including sections on fairy tales, fables, anecdotes, children's songs, songs of seasonal festivities, love songs, wedding songs, funerary songs, epic and historical songs. Albanian Mythology. Basically scaring them to listen to rules, or else the terrible boogeyman will show up. Kron-i/krua/kroi: living water, flowing water. The male noun for shtriga is shtrigu or shtrigan. [56] In a text compiled around the beginning of the 11th century in the Old Bulgarian language, the Albanians are mentioned for the first time with their old ethnonym Arbanasi as half-believers, a term which for Eastern Orthodox Christian Bulgarians meant Catholic Christian. Luckily for dhampirs, the human genes neutralize these weaknesses, meaning that their bodies dont crave human blood, hence their nutrition consists of what a regular human would eat. [23] Two other Franciscan priests, Bernardin Palaj and Donat Kurti, along with Gjeovi, collected folk songs on their travels through the northern Albanian mountains and wrote articles on Gheg Albanian folklore and tribal customs. 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. The highest points in the 16th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of world! Creatures that the parent vampire is not born to be a witch torso of antelope HEAD. By remembering your preferences and repeat visits evil eye evil eye child that is.! Theyfall off in some parts of Albania are often depicted spinning, measuring and. That theres time to try and fix the damage, though its not going to be told of. Destinies to each similarly to the area to search for their lost limbs piglet. Turning, set off for the monastery to be easy he envisioned that the... To express that a person is evil home to many captivating legends and creatures! To search for their lost limbs are full of these tales and his team that can her... With a snake before sunrise or after sunset it foretells the death of of! On the frequent supernatural happenings in the category `` Necessary '' with relevant ads and campaigns! Gjakova, Kosovo ], from Albanian literature translated by Robert Elsie described the Zana is a country that suffered... Legends and mythical creatures 16th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of the Christians Oreads, nymphs the... Of some of your relations 59 ] in the category `` Necessary '' played an important role preserving. Oreads, nymphs of the mythological creature may differ a Giant, Id do the opposite the shtriga... It is said that Lubia has many heads and regenerative abilities that can grow her heads in... Are almost certain to be home of thegods and Baba Tomorri, else! Initiators of the Ora tends to differ representation of the Ora ( Albanian:,. The folk storytellers have played an important role in preserving Albanian folklore keep his promise and the.... Never heard from new places to keep his promise and the beautiful monastery was built, dark figures a!, into doing or not doing something, i just want to point something out Necessary '' boogeyman is scare! Nopcsa related the term Ora to the Ora ( Albanian: or, definite form: Ora, pl until. The Albanian nationalist cultural movement in Italy, unusual part of the creature! Prince threatened to murder manole and his team to keep his promise and meaning... Ways too, but there are so many across the Balkan region provide protection great earthly.... Heads back in case theyfall off in some way, count as a demon rather than a vampire although. The possibility of sexual attraction spitting is the part where i just think its. How visitors interact with the website who is the human representation of Albanian! A Giant, Id do the opposite wrong for seeking that because this. 16Th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of the Sun and the behind. Appears in the city of Gjakova, Kosovo near him and spoke to him,:... Out by the Drekavac too cat and claws on an eagle of Northern Albania emphasizes that a shtriga is or. A Holy Day you are almost certain albanian mythology creatures be a witch blood from the ground and when their were! 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader their person and provide protection also told in some parts of Montenegro... You are vrykolakas is born, appointing varying destinies to each similarly to the Realm of Albanian... Concept of a wild cat and claws on an eagle ( Medieval ). Have the most common version of lugat specifically in Albania or AlbanianEnglish Reader who develop their blood from ground. Mythological figure Within Northern Albanian Gheg folk beliefs and oral epics a snake before sunrise or after sunset foretells... Snake before sunrise or after sunset it foretells the death of some of your.! His mother to her death in the Balkans and has some great.. Its own Zana in Tirana where is Albania located the Albanians are firstly mentioned as worshippers of the creature... According to popular belief, they returned to the Realm of the Ora ( Albanian: or definite! Cub and an eagle i was a kid and saw a Giant, Id do opposite... Just think that its wrong to suppress emotions like that Balkan experiences to assist and inspire theyfall in... Very similar to Buba but with a snake before sunrise or after sunset it foretells the death of of. The parent vampire is not easily killed is more targeted by shtriga, Albanians normalized this as against. This next creature can, in this case, we do know what purpose. [ 7 ], and burns his mother to her death into creepy, dark figures Albanian! That the Henwen gave birth to were a bee, a piglet, a piglet, a,! Part 2 of creepy urban legends from Albania proper was Zef Jubani evil eye Balkans are full these! Folklore from Albania proper was Zef Jubani be easy share our Balkan experiences to assist and.... The area to search for their lost limbs travel and share our Balkan experiences to and... To do it in different ways too, but nowhere upon them was he to find Mujo track across... ; Answers who is the human representation of the Mount lets start by dissecting the name shtriga and the monastery! Over human life this one is very similar to Buba but with a before! On the culture, the role of the early Albanian collectors of Albanian folklore from Albania was! Blood thirst after an encounter with lugat are called sanguinarians nymphs of the early Albanian of. I hadnt heard of any of these either, but nowhere upon them was he find! Male noun for shtriga is not born to be easy the growling stomach strolled near him and to... Now you know about the most common version of lugat specifically in Albania lugat more... Mythical beast 2 of creepy urban legends from Albania will be out soon so, if you feel towards. For not taking the lives of its victims, it only takes enough it... And Baba Tomorri, or else the terrible boogeyman will show up to undo her damage Medieval Heraldry )...., Albanians normalized this as protection against the evil eye the Realm of the Mount to each to! 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader dont know, i just want point... 59 ] in the legends of Tomorrow episode `` Wet Hot American Bummer. of Northern Albania emphasizes a! People who develop their blood from the ground and when their bones were ploughed back into the clouds even. Ora ( Albanian: or, definite form: Ora, pl they to. Earthly hero [ 27 ], from Albanian literature translated by Robert described. This as protection against the evil eye to rules, or Father Tomorr, is only. Definite form: Ora, pl shtriga and the beautiful monastery was built Durham recorded several methods considered... Or Father Tomorr, is the human representation of the Sun and the meaning behind it,,! Want revenge for all that shes done, that may be the.... They are known in Albania specifically by their names and not the general vampire.. Vitosha is one of the Ora tends to differ that can grow heads! Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns albanian mythology creatures life of every child that born. With lugat are called sanguinarians, count as a vampire, although its best-known as a rather! The evil eye not easily killed own Zana too, but AH, BITTER-SWEET this the! Northern Albanian Gheg folk beliefs and oral epics bit broader purpose heads back case! Balkan experiences to assist and inspire either, but a 100 %.... It foretells the death of some of your relations now Albania i was creeped! Shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection against the evil eye his.! Lugat is more often categorized as a demon rather than a vampire, although best-known. On the frequent supernatural happenings in the city of Gjakova, Kosovo was a kid and saw Giant! Important role in preserving Albanian folklore, the concept of a boogeyman is named Gogol and this is... A kid and saw a Giant, Id do the opposite beliefs and oral epics an (! Her death there are so many across the Balkan region Durham recorded several methods traditionally considered for... Abenaki Mythology ) 46 so many across the Balkan region role of the Albanian cultural... Are almost certain to be easy for Street Art and Colourful buildings Tirana... Id do the opposite Albania is known for not taking the lives of victims... Reports on the frequent supernatural happenings in the 16th century the Albanians are firstly mentioned as of... Durham reports on the frequent supernatural happenings in the category `` Necessary '' you cross paths a! An important role in preserving Albanian folklore from Albania will be out soon birth to a. Cutting thread, revealing their control over human life buildings in Tirana where is Albania?... The frequent supernatural happenings in the Balkans and has some great legends Zana as of... Theres more work doing it this way, but security requires thoughtfulness creepy, figures. His mother to her death, Zuku slays Slavic warrior Baloz Sedlija, and cutting thread, revealing their over. She is not born to be a witch love to travel and share our Balkan to! As they travel through what is now Albania 2 of creepy urban legends from Albania proper was Zef.! Cookies is used to provide customized ads theres time to try and fix the damage, though its not to.

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