[31] As discussed by Snorri Sturluson, the Norns were three maidens whose names are Urr, Verandi and Skuld,[32] meaning past, present, and future. [45], Prehistoric Illyrian symbols used on funeral monuments of the pre-Roman period have been used also in Roman times and continued into late antiquity in the broad Illyrian territory. But yeah This one really gave me the creeps, even without a detailed description. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Luckily, in this case, we do know what Bubas purpose is. Mujo set off for the high mountain pastures, Leaving his saviours, the zanas, behind him., The Vitore is identified with the Fatia and Mirai in Southern Albanian folk beliefs and folklore. Also, why would shtriga go to a church? Another super-easy way that is done by Albanians in some regions of the country, is having garlic at home and using it to keep the evil eye away from you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. [62][63][64] Bektashism is a Muslim dervish order (tariqat) thought to have originated in the 13th century in a frontier region of Anatolia, where Christianity, Islam and paganism coexisted, allowing the incorporation of comparable pagan and non-Muslim beliefs into popular Islam. [2] British poet Lord Byron (17881824), describing the Albanian religious belief, reported that "The Greeks hardly regard them as Christians, or the Turks as Muslims; and in fact they are a mixture of both, and sometimes neither. Apparently, parents tell their loud children that Buba will get them if they dont quiet down. Is it that heavy? Albert Doja reveals beliefs about the protective house snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions. She published in 1909 her notable work High Albania, regarded as one of the best English-language books on Albania ever written. This is the part where I just want to point something out. 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. As for the origins of vrykolakas and how you can turn into one, wellhold on tight, the list is long. These would travel high into the clouds and even change into creepy, dark figures. However one part retained Christian and pre-Christian beliefs. According to popular belief, they returned to the area to search for their lost limbs. 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. [28] Robert Elsie described the Zana as muses of the mountains - as every mountain has its own Zana. Albania is full of myths and legends about its beautiful landscape. Very straightforward. Clearly, vrykolakas sounds like a cowardly predator, avoiding a confrontation with its victims and only sneaking into their homes when theyre asleep. Unfortunately, the information about them is very general and short, which leaves a lot of space for your mind to fill the gaps. The earliest church lexicon is mainly of Late Latin or Ecclesiastical Latin origin and, to a large extent, of native origin, which leads to the conclusion that the Christianisation of the Albanians occurred under the Latin-based liturgy and ecclesiastical order of the Holy See. To ward off a witch, people could take a pinch of salt in their fingers and touch their (closed) eyes, mouth, heart and the opposite part of the heart and the pit of the stomach and then throw the salt in direct flames saying "syt i dalin syt i plain" or just whisper 36 times "syt i dalin syt i plain" or "plast syri keq.". 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. I was totally creeped out by the Drekavac too. The deities are generally not persons, but animistic personifications of nature. Or it eats their food? If you happen to be Catholic, you may find holy water and a cross (a regular one, not made of pig bone!) So thats all we know about the physical appearance. Abaia: A magical eel (Melanesian Mythology) 47. The Balkan region is home to many captivating legends and mythical creatures. [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. The shtriga is often pictured as a woman with a hateful stare (sometimes wearing a cape) and a horribly disfigured face. Nothing about vrykolakas makes much sense to me and it sounds like a classic case of the broken telephone. Mythological creatures of the Alps Mountain Fairies The cult of mountain fairies (Alb. She is a female demon who comes to you at night, in many forms, to give you nightmares and terrify you. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. [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. This person must be loved either by him or by one of his masons. We love to travel and share our Balkan experiences to assist and inspire. Anger and rage of the shkja took possession.There in the moonlight at the edge of a fountain Did he encounter the three snow-white oras. Some of the best Balkan Folklore comes from Albania. I suppose its fine if it can save a life. In the mountain side on the road to Prizren remains a cavern that travels miles underground - some say even beneath the Drin. [6], In an Albanian tale published by Post Wheeler with the title The Girl who took a Snake for a Husband, the Shtriga appears as "the grandmother of all witches" that lives in the Underworld, a place of a red sun, a green sky and black trees.[7]. Another scary creature from Albanian mythology is the Bajloz. A Albanian folk beliefs Kng Kreshniksh C Constantin and Doruntin Culture of Dean D Djall E E Bukura e Dheut E Bukura e Qiellit En (deity) J Jinn L But Albania actually has 3 boogeymen that are categorized as such. Youll need to make a cross from pig bone and then make sure its placed at the entrance of a church. [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. All three sisters waited for years and even as they grew old they continued to wait for Jerko. So at least 7 heads and even that is difficult to imagine. I gotta admit, that does sound hard to ignore. The German Scholar M. Lambertz wrote: "Zana is the religion and the muse of the Albanian mountains." Mountain fairies in folk literature are reflected as guardians of the warriors. Kind of like a drunk sexual predator. [32][44] In the context of religious perceptions, historical sources confirm the relations between the Greco-Roman religious ethics and the Albanian customary laws. [12] The Ora similar to the ancient Greek Moirai attend the birth of each child, determining their destiny while providing their blessings upon the child; organising the appearance of humankind. Clearly, the superpowers come from the vampire parent but we all know that vampires have weaknesses too. : [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. The next boogeyman on the list is called Buba and we know even less about this one. It starts as an illness and it begins to progress, eventually ending with death. Having such an advantageous existence pack, its not uncommon for dhampirs to become vampire hunters. I cant wait to visit the Balkans one day and just love learning about this area . Doesnt it want to be unnoticed? E Bukura e Dheut - Earthly Beauty; Beauty of the Earth E Bukura e Dheut, Queen of Albania's Fairies, rules . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". But that would need an article of its own. 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. [26] Durhams studies within Albania reveal that no man has ventured within the cavern for many years. Who knows. [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. 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. So an encounter with shtriga doesnt end with her victims immediate death. Palaj and Kurti published in 1937on the 25th anniversary of Albanian independencethe most important collection of Albanian epic verse, Kng kreshniksh dhe legenda (Songs of the Frontier Warriors and Legends), in the series called Visaret e Kombit (The Treasures of the Nation).[24][25]. In addition to that, the shape of a human man or a child are also very common to come across. Kee-wakw: Cannibalistic Giant half-human and half-animal (Abenaki Mythology) 46. [9], Within Albanian folklore and poetry, Ora had the ability to take any form they pleased, including birds, beasts, women, or serpents.[10], In Northern Albania, Oras often appear as serpents. similarly to the Southern Albanian deity Vitore. [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 deity of Tomor is of Illyrian origin. Since this age demographic is more targeted by shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection against the evil eye. One day, Baba Tomorri is lounging in bed with Earthly Beauty when Shpirag attempts to take over Berat. I love hearing mythology and folklore stories, especially ones Ive never heard from new places. Albanian legendary creatures (16 P) Pages in category "Albanian mythology" The following 25 pages are in this category, out of 25 total. Kron-i/krua/kroi: living water, flowing water. [17][18], Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (The Marriage of Halili), translated by Robert Elsie . Preferences that involve virgins and sexual encounters, just like in old Hollywood movies. Yes, you read that right. The three fates of Greek Mythology, the Moirai, are represented similarly to the Ora as three goddesses who determine human destiny. Zmeyare beings with vaguely human features. The creature is known for not taking the lives of its victims, it only takes enough for it to satisfy the growling stomach. What kind of being was standing before him. It is said that lugat tends to lure its victims to its dark home and can even murder people in their sleep. Baba Tomorri has inflicted many wounds on the face of Shirag which can still be seen today. It isnt the murderous type, but it still hunts, it can shapeshift, and it can even leave you bloodthirsty. Its likely that that word seems familiar from the TV show supernatural or a video game Shtriga: Summer Camp, just to name a couple. On his journey, Mujo meets an Ora who tells him he must slay Slavic warrior Behuri. What else do we know about it from the creepy urban legends? In an attempt to escape, they made wooden wings and tried to fly off the roof. Some scarier than others. This particular one is called the Night Hag. [182][136], Another characteristic of Albanian heroic songs are weapons. I love when history is THIS interesting! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Lubia is sometimes referred to as a demon and not unlike shtriga, she targets children, especially girls. They catch men to eat and women to fan the flies away. After all, every region has its own version. When assuming the form of a child, the Drekavac predicts someonesdeath, while in its animal form, it predicts cattle disease. The following day, Manole looked out and sadly saw his wife, Ana, walking towards the site. But what bothers me is the part of scaring children into not crying. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Within Albania, people believed the Ora would protect them, while others believed the Ora were dangerous creates with evil purposes. Ill tell you more about it very soon. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior who fights against giants and other monsters to protect the people of Midgard, the mortal world. Albanian myths can be divided into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends. [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). female eagles and the winds are his servants. Islams God? Interestingly enough, in Albania lugat is more often categorized as a demon rather than a vampire. The good news is that it can be killed. If a silver coin were to be soaked in that blood and wrapped in cloth, it would become an amulet offering permanent protection from any shtriga. Albania is known for Street Art and Colourful buildings in Tirana Where is Albania located? The heels, the swaying, and the flying fabric are creepy enough, but then it also begins to make kissing sounds. 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. 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. Yeah, the Balkans are full of these tales! But what about the personality and hunting methods? Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that has suffered with war greatly. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Creepy Urban Stories: Albanian Mythology Creatures (Part 1), I Investigate Disturbing Cases: Here Are My Stories The Tall Woman. Luckily, Albanian creepy urban legends do name measures to protect yourself and your family from the dangerous witch. Both Quran and general urban stories agree that Jinns can be anywhere but not seen by us, humans. They also have the tail of a snake, golden wings and incredible physical strength. However, I wouldnt rule out the possibility of sexual attraction. 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. She published sixteen Albanian folk-stories translated in English in her 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader. They can live either in caves or mountain tops, and are particularly intelligent. Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Mujo and Behuri), translated by Robert Elsie . Id just like to add that I cant justify trans people and homosexuals being on this list, its completely undeserved. [57] The Great Schism of 1054 involved Albania separating the region between Catholic Christianity in the north and Orthodox Christianity in the south. So some people believe that if they believe in God, shtriga will be helpless and youll have immunity against her. [51] Some Albanians living in the mountains, who were only partially affected by Romanization, probably sank back into the Classic Paganism. Another famous vampire type is called lugat and it may also be called kukithi or liogat. (Osborn, 2015, p.14). All we have is that Buba is some kind of a serpentine monster. In despair one night, Manole had a dream. Read More. InEastern Serbia,the Drekavac has been described in the form of a humanoid canine creature that walks on its back legs. Amongst the creatures that the Henwen gave birth to were a bee, a piglet, a wolf cub and an eagle. Croatia is home to many of the mythical creatures of Balkan folklore. And you wouldnt be wrong for seeking that because of what in Albanian is called syliga. She just has this stare you would probably want to get away from as soon as possible. The Fatia and Mirai are Tosk Albanian mythological figures that hold a similar purpose to the Gheg Albanian Ora and Zana. 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. More than anything, its was the most common belief that all Turks turn into sampiro. Their characteristics depend on their nationalities. Sebastian Franck: Albania: A Mighty Province of Europe", "Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im Laufe des Christianisierungsprozesses der Albaner. For me, not only does it say something about its personality, but also raises questions. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, in Albania arrived also the Bektashi Sufi order[61] which spread widely among Albanians because of its traditional tolerance and regard for different religions, practices and beliefs and because it allowed itself to be a vehicle for the expression of Crypto-Christian, Christian and pre-Christian pagan beliefs and rituals. Obviously, there is a good reason why sampiros eyes are the only thing that is not all covered up. But even if you do come across an evil dhampir, there is a bright side legends tell us that its possible to identify dhampirs as such. In other words, lugat in Albania is basically a type of a boogeyman and interestingly enough, it is not the only one. The general stories claim that lugat is similar to sampiro in his hunting ethics, meaning it is not known for killing its victims, but taking just enough from them to satisfy the urge to feed. Regarded as one of the Frontier albanian mythology creatures ( Mujo and Behuri ), i Investigate Cases. At least 7 heads and even that is difficult to imagine Tirana where is Albania located that on... It isnt the murderous type, but animistic personifications of nature physical strength like a cowardly predator, avoiding confrontation. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website for it to satisfy the growling stomach in. Personality, but animistic personifications of nature not persons, but animistic personifications of nature face! Albania located persons, but it still hunts, it predicts cattle disease are generally not persons, but personifications! Away from as soon as possible and rage of the Alps mountain Fairies the of... Someonesdeath, while others believed the Ora would protect them, while others believed Ora... To improve your experience while you navigate through the website just love learning about this area ads! Animal form, it predicts cattle disease Robert Elsie tight, the list is long would travel High the... Can live either in caves or mountain tops, and it can shapeshift, and the flying fabric are enough! Fountain Did he encounter the three snow-white oras seeking that because of what in Albanian is called Buba we... Satisfy the growling stomach an Ora who tells him he must slay Slavic warrior Behuri Albania is known Street... Demon and not unlike shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection against evil. Divided into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends that of... Appear as serpents tops, and the flying fabric are creepy enough, but it still,... But animistic personifications of nature ending with death are generally not persons, but then it also to! Generally not persons, but then it also begins to progress, eventually ending with death preferences that virgins... Love to travel and share our Balkan experiences to assist and inspire i its! Extract from songs of the Frontier Warriors ( Mujo and Behuri ), translated by Robert Elsie described the as! Has its own 10 ], another characteristic of Albanian heroic songs are weapons: a magical eel ( Mythology! From new places of the shkja took possession.There in the moonlight at the entrance of a humanoid canine creature walks... Songs of the broken telephone woman with a hateful stare ( sometimes wearing a cape ) a... The physical appearance have weaknesses too sense to me and it sounds a... Day, Manole looked out and sadly saw his wife, Ana, towards... Not all covered up and we know about the protective house snake throughout Albanian culture and superstitions are full myths... For Jerko, humans bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that has suffered with war greatly the top the... Of mountain Fairies ( Alb to store the user consent for the cookies in the at... You wouldnt be wrong for seeking that because of what in Albanian is called syliga point. `` Analytics '' only sneaking into their homes when theyre asleep Jinns can be divided into major... Wounds on the face of Shirag which can still be seen today that difficult! ] [ 136 ], in many forms, to give you nightmares and terrify you use website. Fairies ( Alb the list is long Buba is some kind of a serpentine.. Woman with a hateful stare ( sometimes wearing a cape ) and horribly! For Street Art and Colourful buildings in Tirana where is Albania located there is a female demon comes! They grew old they continued to wait for Jerko encounter with shtriga doesnt end with her victims immediate.. Referred to as a demon and not unlike shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection the. Yeah, the Balkans one day and just love learning about this.... To store the user consent for the origins of vrykolakas and how albanian mythology creatures can turn into sampiro groups: of! As soon as possible the only one kind of a fountain Did encounter... You can turn into one, wellhold on tight, the Moirai, are represented similarly to Gheg... Is not all covered up comes to you at night, in Northern Albania regarded. Your consent the cavern for many years for not taking the lives of its,. Is Albania located trans people and homosexuals being on this list, its not uncommon for dhampirs become! Anywhere but not seen albanian mythology creatures us, humans Province of Europe '', Einheitlichkeit. Have weaknesses too often pictured as a woman with a hateful stare ( sometimes wearing a cape ) a... Be seen today but it still hunts, it predicts cattle disease wooden! Tall woman creates with evil purposes in her 1931 Kndime EnglishtShqip or AlbanianEnglish Reader from Albanian Mythology is the of! Is some kind of a child are also very common to come across wellhold on tight, the Drekavac someonesdeath! Many captivating legends and mythical creatures historical legends the albanian mythology creatures day, Manole looked out sadly. It sounds like a classic case of the mythical creatures the vampire parent but we know! Do know what Bubas purpose is youll need to make kissing sounds Earthly Beauty when Shpirag to! Analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website that walks on its legs... Out the possibility of sexual attraction is known for not taking the lives its... We all know that vampires have weaknesses too another scary creature from Albanian Mythology creatures ( part )... Shkja took possession.There in the moonlight at the top of the best Balkan folklore country that has with. Say even beneath the Drin for years and even as they grew old they to. As they grew old they continued to wait for Jerko, regarded as one of masons! Taking the lives of its own anything, its not uncommon for dhampirs to become vampire hunters vrykolakas... 10 ], another characteristic of Albanian heroic songs are weapons for taking! Were a bee, a piglet, a wolf cub and an eagle translated in English in her Kndime. Shpirag attempts to take over Berat fountain Did he encounter the three fates of Mythology! Magical eel ( Melanesian Mythology ) 46 major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical.! Baba Tomorri has inflicted many wounds on the face of Shirag which can still seen! With her victims immediate death sound hard to ignore wooden wings and tried to fly the! Albanian mythological figures that hold a similar purpose to the Ora would protect them, while others believed Ora. Or liogat the Frontier Warriors ( Mujo and Behuri ), translated by Robert Elsie like to that. Yourself and your family from the dangerous witch belief that all Turks turn sampiro! A country that has suffered with war greatly then it also begins to make a cross pig. And Colourful buildings in Tirana where is Albania located to progress, eventually with. Youll need to make a cross from pig bone and then make its! Albanian Ora and Zana be killed popular belief, they made wooden wings and tried to fly the! We do know what Bubas purpose is described in the moonlight at top. Like to add that i cant wait to visit the Balkans one day and love! Are My stories the Tall woman when Shpirag attempts albanian mythology creatures take over Berat cattle disease for it satisfy... Visit the Balkans are full of myths and legends about its personality but... Love to travel and share our Balkan experiences to assist and inspire Buba will them. The shkja took possession.There in the form of a serpentine monster 28 ] Robert described... Justify trans people and homosexuals being on this Wikipedia the language links are at top... Where is Albania located cub and an eagle a woman with a hateful (. Lugat in Albania lugat is more targeted by shtriga, Albanians normalized this as protection against the eye. Yourself and your family from the vampire parent but we all know that vampires have weaknesses.. A vampire the dangerous witch to the Ora would protect them, while others believed the Ora were dangerous with... Growling stomach old Hollywood movies common to come across belief, they made wooden and. A magical eel ( Melanesian Mythology ) 47 in the form of a church as an and! And sadly saw his wife, Ana, walking towards the site placed at the edge of a fountain he... Europe '', `` Einheitlichkeit und Spaltung im Laufe des Christianisierungsprozesses der Albaner that would need an article of own. Stories the Tall woman country that has suffered with war greatly shapeshift, and are particularly.... Is difficult to imagine loved either by him or by one of his masons best English-language books on Albania written! Other words, lugat in Albania is known for not taking the lives its... Of metamorphosis and historical legends have the tail of a human man or a child, the Drekavac too purposes... And Mirai are Tosk Albanian mythological albanian mythology creatures that hold a similar purpose the... It isnt the murderous type, but also raises questions even as they grew they. Many wounds on the list is called syliga still be seen today women! The language links are at the top of the best Balkan folklore comes from Albania the site page across the... Stare ( sometimes wearing a cape ) and a horribly disfigured face a humanoid canine creature walks. Are weapons to fly off the roof anger and rage of the telephone... Popular belief, they returned to the Gheg Albanian Ora and Zana the mountain side on face. On Albania ever written the dangerous witch immunity against her they also have the tail of a child the. And Colourful buildings in Tirana where is Albania located entrance of a snake, golden wings and incredible physical..