Albanian Mythology
The elements of Albanian mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic origin and almost all of them are pagan.[1] Albanian myths can be divided into two major groups: legends of metamorphosis and historical legends.
Many of the characters of the Albanian mythology are included in the Albanian Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Albanian: Këngë Kreshnikësh or Cikli i Kreshnikëve), the traditional cycle of Albanian epic songs. In various tales there is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive from pellazgian mythology.[2]
Many of the characters of the Albanian mythology are included in the Albanian Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Albanian: Këngë Kreshnikësh or Cikli i Kreshnikëve), the traditional cycle of Albanian epic songs. In various tales there is a certain degree of Pellazgian influence, some mythological figures derive from pellazgian mythology.[2]
The Myths
- Aferdita
- Armatur
- Bardha
- Bindusi
- Bolla
- Baloz (monster)
- Constantin and Doruntine
- Dhampir
- Demeter / (Dhemeter)
- Djall (devil)
- Dreq (demon)
- Drangue
- E bija e Henës dhe e Diellit
- E Bukura e Dheut
- E Bukura e Detit
- E Bukura e Qiellit
- Eia
- Fatit
- Gjergj Elez Alia
- Gjysmagjeli
- Gogol (monster)
- Iria
- Kacamisri (similar to Tom Thumb)
- Katallan (giant)
- Karkanxhol (werewolf)
- Keshete (naiad)
- Kreshniku
- Kukudhi
- Kuçedra
- Latra
- Lugat (Liogat)
- Ljubi
- Muji edhe Halili
- Merkur
- Nuse mali (Nymph of the Mountain)
- Ora (mythological creature)
- Perendi
- Perit
- Prende
- Premte
- Princess Argjiro
- Rodon
- Rozafati
- Shtojzovalle (sylph)
- Shtriga
- Shurdhi
- Shejntona / Sentona
- Stihi
- The Tale of the Eagle
- Tomor
- Thopc (gnome)
- Verbti
- Ymer Agë Ulqini
- Xhindi
- Zana e malit (Mountain Fairy)
- Zojzi / Zoti
- Jola Kanani
- Elinda Gjonomadhi
References
- Bonefoy, Yves (1993). American, African, and Old European mythologies. University of Chicago Press. p. 253. ISBN 0-226-06457-3.
- Eliade, Mircea; Adams, Charles J. (1987). The Encyclopedia of religion. Macmillan Publishers. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-02-909700-7.
Sources
- Robert Elsie (1994). Albanian Folktales and Legends. Naim Frasheri.
- Martin Mato "New View on old Text" in newspaper Albanian Daily News, f 10 30 Nov. 1996, Tiranë