Romania's mythology is rich with captivating legends passed down through generations. Stories like Baba Dochia, who fled the wrath of the gods in a never-ending winter, Manole, the master builder who sacrificed his wife to complete a majestic monastery, and the Ballad of Miorita, a haunting tale of betrayal and loyalty among shepherds, reflect the imaginative and complex beliefs and superstitions of the Romanian people. Even the smallest superstitions, such as the belief that whistling indoors invites evil spirits, add to the intriguing tapestry of Romanian folklore.
The Solomonar
The Solomonar is a powerful sorcerer in Romanian mythology, believed to control storms, winds, lakes, mountains, and caves, and to create frost, mist, and hail. Described as a tall, red-haired man with bulging eyes, he carries a Magic Book, the source of his powers, a piece of wood for calling the winds, and an iron axe to create hail. According to legend, only a baby boy born with a distinctive sign on his face and body can become a Solomonar, taken away and trained for 20 years in a deep cave at the End of the Earth. These sorcerers, often seen as good wizards disguised as beggars to test people's kindness can reward or punish based on the hospitality they receive.
The Solomonars are divided into two categories: good, who reward kindness, and evil, who bring storms and floods but are opposed by former Solomonars turned Masters of Stones. Some believe Solomonars are descendants of the Dacian High Priests, known as Kapnobatai, while others claim they descend from St. Elijah. Regardless of their origins, Solomonars are respected in Romanian folklore, especially in the Bukovina region. They are believed to master elements and mythical dragons, with sightings of these sorcerers commanding dragons emerging from deep mountain lakes.
Jidovi
Legends from many nations describe a time when giant humans ruled the world, and Romanian folklore is home to the Jidovi giants. These giants, known for their patience and kindness, took massive strides from hill to hill. Evidence of their presence remains in various place names, such as Jidovi table, Jidovi cave, and Jidovi tombs. The measuring unit called "jidovina," representing a giant’s step, further reflects their influence. Often called Blajini, meaning "the Kind Ones," or Novaci, meaning "the Powerful Ones," Jidovi lived in caves and dense forests, respected humans, and viewed them as their successors.
In the early 1900s, stories from grandparents claimed sightings of Jidovi living harmoniously with humans. During great floods, Jidovi cared for people and their animals without asking for any reward. A famous legend tells of an agreement between the Dacian king Burebista and the Jidovi, who promised to protect the Dacian gold treasures. It is believed that some Jidovi still live in the deepest Carpathian caves, guarding these treasures for future generations.
Zburatorul
In Romanian mythology, Zburatorul, meaning “the one who flies,” is a handsome airman who visits young girls and wives in their dreams, personifying intense feelings of erotic desire and longing for a man. Zburatorul enters through chimneys or windows, often taking the form of the girl's lover, leading to an intense and exhausting dream experience that leaves the young woman obsessively in love. Historically, communities judged these girls harshly, accusing them of love-obsession and misbehavior.
Good sorcerers once helped these afflicted girls by using magic to make Zburatorul disappear and potions made from wild garlic, mandrake, lovage, or deer grass to cure their love illness. Though sorcerers no longer exist, the legend of Zburatorul continues to captivate imaginations, suggesting that he may still find ways to torment young women's love lives. Exploring Romanian culture and history can provide deeper insights into these enduring myths.
