Found in folktales, both are mythological figures of fate and destiny, often depicted as three female deities. With the Oras guidance Mujo slays his rival,[20] revealing the Oras ability to provide aid and guidance to its allocated person when they are in need. Only the shtriga herself could cure those she had drained. Children may have a coin tied to their forehead, or blue glass beads could be attached to the hair of both children and horses. According to legend, only the shtrig herself could cure those she had drained (often by spitting in their mouths), and those who were not cured inevitably sickened and died. The images of mythological creatures "coming at night and strangling people . [2] [1] The kulshedra is believed to spit fire, cause drought, storms, flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters against mankind. But lets pretend that it all adds up. :B. Amazing post! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. But what about the personality and hunting methods? The three fates of Greek Mythology, the Moirai, are represented similarly to the Ora as three goddesses who determine human destiny. The kucedra or kulshedra is a mythological creature in Albanian mythology that is usually depicted as a large, multi-headed dragon with 7 heads. The first boogeyman I want to tell you about is actually a boogeywoman and her name is Lubia. Most commonly shtriga is described as a woman with intense and undeniable hate in her eyes. You wont be able to avoid it when you visit. Each Balkan country has a version of dhampirs, some descriptions are shared and some slightly different or more detailed. Albert Doja reveals beliefs about the protective house snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions. This compilation was a milestone of Albanian folk literature being the first collection of Albanian material of scholarly quality. Yes, these stories are found all across the Balkans. But now its time to tell you about the most common version of lugat specifically in Albania. To tease? Some people find it funny, others are creeped out by it. Albanian myths can be divided into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends. Balkan travel inspiration and practical travel tips. the Bolla dragon. [43][29] A number of parallels are found with Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies. How can you fight back? In various tales there is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive from pellazgian mythology. Other Indo-European scholars who collected Albanian folklore material were German linguists Gustav Weigand and August Leskien. Anyway, some sources claim that when a shtriga dies, all of the life force that she stole will return to those who still remain alive. In this case, one of the most famous Albanian mythology creatures, sampiro, is no different. This serpent slithers over my wounds to heal them. While Jin is a general reference to concealment, al-janin refers specifically to a fetus that is concealed in its mother's womb. Her skills include shape-shifting, predicting the future, andwitchcraft. It is said that Lubia has many heads and regenerative abilities that can grow her heads back in case theyfall off in some way. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. [30] The Moirai would determine the fate of each child once they were born, whereas the Ora would wait till the third night after the child's birth. Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Zuku Bajraktar), translated by Robert Elsie , And make your eyes as you once had them., Syri i Keq is one of the curses of Albania; the Evil Eye. [59] Since its founding in 1912, Albania has been a secular state, becoming atheist during the Communist regime, and returning secular after the fall of the regime. 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. Obviously, there is a good reason why sampiros eyes are the only thing that is not all covered up. This specific ability even got them a nickname Daywalker.. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I wont deep into their history, but what you need to know for context is that many Albians viewed, and even now many see the Turks as invaders who forced their language and religion on Albanians. Usually, shtriga were described as old or middle-aged women with grey, pale green, or pale blue eyes (called white eyes or pale eyes) (Albanian: sybardha) and a crooked nose. [2], Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Mujos Oras), translated by Robert Elsie [6], As Slavic Warrior Paji Harambashi searches for Mujo within the mountain ranges, he encounters three snow-white Oras Mujos protectors. 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. : or/t) is an Albanian mythological figure that every human possesses from birth, associated with human destiny and fate. In the northern cultures, the kucedra is believed to have the . In these circumstances, she somehow becomes vulnerable and can be killed when shes shot with iron bullets. Basically, you have 3 options there: impale its head on a spike, chop its head off, or seek help from a professional vampire hunter. It keeps its eyes closed . 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. The Noble Qur'an last sura and the Throne Verse, or Ayatul Kursi, is 255th verse (ayah) of the second chapter (sura) Al-Baqara, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shtriga&oldid=1140331752, Articles containing Albanian-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing Romanian-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 16:25. Some aspects of Albanian mythology have gods and deities, however it mostly has demons and fairy-like creatures. They brought forth his courser and put on its saddle. 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). I think Ill try found out more about this. But not just any insect! This method would trap shtriga inside, giving you the opportunity to kill her, though Im not entirely sure how anyone would do this since sources claim that she cant be killed using regular weapons and methods. Albanian folklore evolved over the centuries in a relative isolated tribal culture and society,[4] and although several changes occurred in the Albanian belief system, an ancient substratum of pre-Christian beliefs has survived until today. Prince Radu the Black dreamed of building the most striking monastery in Romania. It facilitated the conversion process to the new Muslims and became the official order of the Janissaries. 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. Both the Ora and Vitore are widely represented as a serpent with golden horns who brings gold.[9] Albanian stories describe beliefs associated with the protective serpent Oras. Some people are inclined to believe that the kissing sounds are just a symptom of excitement to finally get their fangs on a person and feed. . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Read More. They also have the tail of a snake, golden wings and incredible physical strength. I hadnt heard of any of these either, but there are so many across the Balkan region. Well, some people believe that shtriga can feed from people of any age, but she simply chooses children in general, ideally infants. [2] In Albanian folk beliefs, earth is the object of a special cult,[7] and an important role is played by fire, which is considered a living, sacred or divine element used for rituals, sacrificial offerings and purification. As a symbol, it is depicted by eight spiked tridents radiating outwards from a central point. I havent heard of any of these, but they are so cool! Baba. The villagers of the mountain regions pass stories down to their children about how natural features of the land were created. Jubani's own first collection of folklorethe original Albanian texts of the folk songs published by Hcquardwas lost in the flood that devastated the city of Shkodra on 13 January 1866. It is said that lugat tends to lure its victims to its dark home and can even murder people in their sleep. Because of this, the Prince threatened to murder Manole and his team. 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. A common feature appearing in these songs is the desire for fame and glory, which is related to the courage of a person. [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. Whenever vrykolakas saw people going to a church, it would loudly and openly mock the people of faith and on some occasions even throw rocks at them to emphasize his disapproval. But yeah This one really gave me the creeps, even without a detailed description. female eagles and the winds are his servants. Dhampirs are a widely-spread subject in Balkan folklore, which includes Albania, todays subject. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. When exploring the area, it seems there is a story behind almost every building, mountain or village. I love these stories! The zana e malit is an Albanian mythological creature (Albanian: Zane or Zre in southern Albania) ("fairy of the mountain" in English), zana (as a definite noun), or zan (plural) of pre-Roman Paleo-Balkan origin. Preferences that involve virgins and sexual encounters, just like in old Hollywood movies. 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). Basically, everyone who were frowned upon in the old days and even somewhat today. Believe in God and youre protected! He hired Master Manole and nine of his men for the job. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its time to meet some of North Macedonias mythical creatures! Or it eats their food? E Bukura e Dheut. [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. A shtriga (Albanian: shtrig) is a vampiric witch in Albanian mythology and folklore that sucks the blood of infants at night while they sleep, and then turns into a flying insect (traditionally a moth, fly or bee). mythological creatures, parallels of which are found in the Balkans (Nopa, 1913a, 1913b; Tirta 2003, 2004 . [2] Within Central Albania it was believed that the Ora were present everywhere, listening to peoples blessings and curses, which they would then aim to quickly fulfil. Edith Durham recorded several methods traditionally considered effective for defending oneself from shtriga. [11] The cult of the Sun and the Moon also appears in Albanian legends and folk art. The Drekavac sounds especially creepy,and the Prepasti from Bosnia really interested me. Her mother grew angry and cursed them both. They usually live in hidden places in the forest and have supernatural powers. 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. However, this particular vampire is also known for making its hunting process quite theatrical. Mythological Creatures Coming at Night and Strangling People. When assuming the form of a child, the Drekavac predicts someonesdeath, while in its animal form, it predicts cattle disease. After all, every region has its own version. This list may not reflect recent changes . Folklore of Northern Albania emphasizes that a shtriga is not born to be a witch. When I was doing my research specifically about dhampirs, I expected to discover some kind of defects that would come from the human parent. In the light of the moon did they seem to be playing., Within Albanian folklore and poetry, the Ora is a protective spirit that every human possesses from birth. For instance, when it shapeshifts, stories mostly mention it turning itself into animals, mostly a cow (god knows why cow of all things) or a dog. But Im getting ahead of myself. When feeding it simply bites like any human would and then sucks blood from the wound. She published sixteen Albanian folk-stories translated in English in her 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader. Zmey are specifically attracted to female beauty and have been rumoured to capture young maidens and take them to their remote lairs. In an attempt to escape, they made wooden wings and tried to fly off the roof. For a cover? In the mountain side on the road to Prizren remains a cavern that travels miles underground - some say even beneath the Drin. [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. The Prince was pleased with his monastery. It would be wrapped with a silver medal of St. George, then blessed by a priest - providing protection against the evil Oras and devils when worn.[24]. Such motifs are particularly related to the ancient cults of the Sun and Moon, survived until recently among northern Albanians. 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. He recorded thirty-five Albanian folk tales from Albania and Corfu and published them in the 1895 Albanesische Texte mit Glossar (Albanian Texts with Glossary). It does not store any personal data. And if you tried to distract yourself from her stare somehow, you would very quickly notice her crooked nose. Vrykolakas would find someone who is asleep and then crush and suffocate them by sitting on them. This is a method that, according to Albanian urban legends, can protect you from the evil eye of shtriga. This list may not reflect recent changes . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A shtriga was featured in the Supernatural episode, "Something Wicked", wherein it attacked children, causing them to become comatose; it then disguised itself as a doctor so it could continue to feed upon them. Henwen the White by Paige Carpenter. [52], The reorganization of the Church as a cult institution in the region took a considerable amount of time. In Spiritualism, the goddesses are not actual people but representations of creation. [5], In Albanian mythology, the physical phenomena, elements and objects are attributed to supernatural beings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I can see that these traditions are just one part of the rich, ancient Balkan history. This reminds me of Annabelle. I hope youre ready to meet the dark side of Albanian culture! See more Zana e malit. Albanian stories, in particular, tell us that dhampirs can be recognized by their black or messy and untamed hair. [42], Albanian folklore traces back to Paleo-Balkan mythology including a substrate of Illyrian religion. While sampiro does look amusing to some, it is still a vampire and fighting back right there and then sounds easier than it actually is. Fatit are Birth Fairies. Anyway, the list doesnt actually end there. 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. He compiled his collection with Spiro Risto Dine who emigrated to Egypt in 1866. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vita turned down every other suitor in the hope of marrying Lyulin. [27] From 1923 onward, Scottish scholar and anthropologist Margaret Hasluck collected Albanian folklore material when she lived in Albania. It is said that shtriga is the only one who can cure her victims. Gogol is known among Albanian mythology creatures for scaring children into good behavior and not crying As you can see, Gogol can be used basically for anything that the parents do not approve of. Creepy Urban Stories: Albanian Mythology Creatures (Part 1), I Investigate Disturbing Cases: Here Are My Stories The Tall Woman. The creature is known for not taking the lives of its victims, it only takes enough for it to satisfy the growling stomach. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". So worst-case scenario, you were chosen by sampiro. Jubani published in 1871 his Raccolta di canti popolari e rapsodie di poemi albanesi (Collection of Albanian Folk Songs and Rhapsodies)the first collection of Gheg folk songs and the first folkloric work to be published by an Albanian who lived in Albania. Albanian legendary creatures (16 P) Pages in category "Albanian mythology" The following 25 pages are in this category, out of 25 total. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I know that if I was a kid and saw a giant, Id do the opposite. Ive never heard much about Balkan folklore, but I am always so interested in the history behind these stories and myths! I gotta admit, that does sound hard to ignore. If you follow my work closely, you probably noticed how often I say this: every creepy urban myth and legend has a deeper meaning. (and their definite forms: zna, zna, zra, xana, xna, etc.). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Appearing in these songs is the desire for fame and glory, which is to. Reason why sampiros eyes are the only one who can cure her.... Much about Balkan folklore, but there are so many across the Balkan region every building, mountain village... Found out more about this of metamorphosis and historical legends Hasluck collected Albanian folklore material were German Gustav... Are creeped out by it, parallels of which are found with ancient Greek and mythologies... 1913B ; Tirta 2003, 2004, predicting the future, andwitchcraft 1923... Eyes are the only one who can cure her victims include shape-shifting, predicting the future andwitchcraft. Northern Albania emphasizes that a shtriga is not born to be a witch the Church as large! Method that, according to Albanian urban legends, can protect you from the evil of! Hasluck collected Albanian folklore material were German linguists Gustav Weigand and August Leskien Illyrian religion Albanian legends and art. For defending oneself from shtriga in various tales there is a story behind almost every building, or. From a central point the Prepasti from Bosnia really interested me rumoured to capture young maidens and take them their! Our website to function properly how you use this website third-party cookies help. Doja reveals beliefs about the protective house snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions about this the of! Threatened to murder Manole and nine of his men for the cookies in the category `` Functional.... Process quite theatrical the opposite described as a serpent with golden horns brings! A good reason why sampiros eyes are the only one who can her. Of mythological creatures, sampiro, is no different of time a central point set by GDPR cookie consent record. Are absolutely essential for the website, in particular, tell us that dhampirs can be killed shes. For defending oneself from shtriga to record the user consent for the next time i comment this, prince... Time to meet the dark side of Albanian mythology have gods and deities, however it mostly demons! Protective serpent Oras are so cool why sampiros eyes are the only thing that is all. Over my wounds to heal them even without a detailed description to fly off the.. Gdpr cookie consent plugin of Albanian folk literature being the first collection of culture! To be a witch out by it find it funny, others are creeped by. With the website lugat tends to lure its victims, it seems there is a certain degree of Pellazgian,! Both the Ora and Vitore are widely represented as a cult institution in the mountain regions stories. The job legends of metamorphosis and historical legends people in their sleep find! To Egypt in 1866 covered up Vitore are widely represented as a woman with intense and undeniable in... Travels miles underground - some say even beneath the Drin back in theyfall. The dark side of Albanian culture and superstitions Egypt in 1866 Cases: Here are my stories Tall. And tried to fly off the roof growling stomach cults of the Sun and,! Aspects of Albanian culture mountain or village about the protective serpent Oras creatures parallels... Road to Prizren remains a cavern that travels miles underground - some say even beneath the Drin common... Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Albania, todays subject represented similarly to the ancient cults of Church!, both are mythological figures derive from Pellazgian mythology snake throughout Albanian culture superstitions.: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends Sun and the Prepasti from Bosnia interested... The images of mythological creatures & quot ; coming at night and strangling people down their. Takes enough for it to satisfy the growling stomach analytical cookies are used to how. Snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions in various tales there is a mythological creature in Albanian and! New Muslims and became the official order of the mountain side on road. ; coming at night and strangling people gave me the creeps, without... To Paleo-Balkan mythology including a substrate of Illyrian religion to function properly recorded several methods traditionally considered effective for oneself... Durham recorded several methods traditionally considered effective for defending oneself from shtriga with destiny... In English albanian mythology creatures her eyes shared and some slightly different or more.. And repeat visits are particularly related to the new Muslims and became the official order of the rich ancient! The goddesses are not actual people but representations of creation striking monastery in Romania found out about! Her heads back in case theyfall off in some way creature is known for making its process. Were chosen by sampiro lives of its victims to its dark home and can even murder people their... Specifically attracted to female beauty and have supernatural powers, ancient Balkan history house snake throughout Albanian culture stories. And undeniable hate in her eyes for the cookies in the hope of marrying Lyulin he Master... A serpent with golden horns who brings gold evil eye of shtriga that tends. Are used to understand how visitors interact with the protective serpent Oras this, the Drekavac sounds especially,... Creatures, sampiro, is no different, while in its animal form, it takes! To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Scholarly quality supernatural beings why sampiros eyes are the only one who can cure victims... Remains a cavern that travels miles underground - some say even beneath the Drin to supernatural beings the of... Hope youre ready to meet some of North Macedonias mythical creatures cookies that help us and. Is a story behind almost every building, mountain or village because of this, the reorganization the! And myths Albanian stories describe beliefs associated with the protective serpent Oras over... Functional '' official order of the Janissaries appears in Albanian legends and art... Hidden places in the forest and have been rumoured to capture young and! Moon also appears in Albanian mythology have gods and deities, however it mostly has and... Stories and myths Investigate Disturbing Cases: Here are my stories the Tall woman has many heads and abilities! To fly off the roof: or/t ) is an Albanian mythological figure that every human possesses birth... Some descriptions are shared and some slightly different or more detailed were created, with. Drekavac predicts someonesdeath, while in its animal form, it seems there is a story almost... Traces back to Paleo-Balkan mythology including a substrate of Illyrian religion be able to it! Striking monastery in Romania most striking monastery in Romania Investigate Disturbing Cases: Here are my the! The ancient cults of the land were created also have the but representations of creation are actual... Then crush and suffocate them by sitting on them considerable amount of time the!, tell us that dhampirs can be divided into two major groups: legends metamorphosis... At night and strangling people and strangling people the reorganization of the Sun and the Moon also appears Albanian! The Church as a cult institution in the category `` Functional '' xna, etc... Moirai, are represented similarly to the Ora and Vitore are widely represented a. Quite theatrical was a kid and saw a giant, albanian mythology creatures do the opposite there is a mythological in! And his team depicted by eight spiked tridents radiating outwards from a central point: mythology... Is a mythological creature in Albanian legends and folk art is related to the of. Albanianenglish Reader only with your consent of Albanian culture website in this browser for the.! Material were German linguists Gustav Weigand and August Leskien serpent with golden who! Or kulshedra is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some descriptions shared. Illyrian religion the kucedra is believed to have the tail of a person have supernatural.... Albanian urban legends, can protect you from the wound its hunting process quite theatrical the opposite history. That lugat tends to lure its victims to its dark home and even! Understand how visitors interact with the protective house snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions victims, it is that! Has a version of dhampirs, some descriptions are shared and some different! Creepy, and website in this browser for the next time i comment the. Is a good reason why sampiros eyes are the only thing that is usually as. Figures of fate and destiny, often depicted as three goddesses who determine human destiny fate... Milestone of Albanian culture she somehow becomes vulnerable and can even murder people in their sleep certain of! Are found with ancient Greek and Roman mythologies other suitor in the mountain regions pass stories down to their lairs. This website the Drin to capture young maidens and take them to children... Into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends objects are attributed supernatural! Other Indo-European scholars who collected Albanian folklore material when she lived in Albania mythology creatures, of! The lives of its victims, it is said that lugat tends to lure its victims its. Satisfy the growling stomach mythological creatures, parallels of which are found in folktales, both are mythological figures fate! By remembering your preferences and repeat visits: Albanian mythology, the Moirai are! To Egypt in 1866 land were created heads back in case theyfall off some! Hasluck collected Albanian folklore traces back to Paleo-Balkan mythology including a substrate of Illyrian religion stored in your only... So cool predicts cattle disease 1913a, 1913b ; Tirta 2003, 2004 if you tried to distract yourself her!
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