This creature is a type of Albanian vampiric witch. It can be both male or female. In this legend, it is said that a person is not born evil but is made evil, usually through a woman being infertile or her children being killed.
As legend says, a shtriga feeds on the life essence of a person and can feed on anyone, however they prefer the young. Only a shtriga can save a person that it has feed on, if they are not freed from the shtriga's grasp then they will inevitably waste away and die.
The only way to kill a shtriga is to trap it on Easter with a cross made of pigs bone placed in the threshold of a church. The shtriga will be trapped and can then be killed as it attempts to exit the church.
26 December, 2011
14 December, 2011
Wraiths
This creature is associated with beings such as the Grim Reaper, but there is a difference. Where this myth is not common, or easy to find reliable information about, it is said that they are some for of sorcerer of the undead type.
It's said that they feed from the brain of it's victims. This being is unholy, therefore, the presence of the holy will destroy it. Wooden stakes are also said to be it's weakness.
'Wraith' is actually a Scottish term for Ghost, showing its link to the undead and unnatural existence. Wraiths are considered to be formed by magic that has gone wrong at some stage.
It's said that they feed from the brain of it's victims. This being is unholy, therefore, the presence of the holy will destroy it. Wooden stakes are also said to be it's weakness.
'Wraith' is actually a Scottish term for Ghost, showing its link to the undead and unnatural existence. Wraiths are considered to be formed by magic that has gone wrong at some stage.
24 November, 2011
DiJinn/Jinn/Genie
This creature is originally of Arab folk law. There is mention of them in the Qur'an as being dwellers of another dimension. These creatures are said to be made up of fire which is smokeless. Unlike most creatures of Folk Law and Legend, the Jinn are not specifically evil. They can be good, evil or in between, much like people. Northwestern arabian inscription that have been found, suggest that the Jinn were worshiped by the people residing there. However, the Qur'an condemns the worship of the Jinn, saying that only God should be worshiped. This could be related to the Christian idea not to worship idols.
The Jinn has been adapted within western culture into the Genie. A wish granting creature that, according to Hollywood, resides in a genies lamp, which you rub to call the genie out.
Both sides of the legend have made it into pop culture as icons of both good and evil. They have come into movies, such as Louis Leterrier's 'Clash of the Titans' and television series, such as Eric Kripke's 'Supernatural'.
The Jinn has been adapted within western culture into the Genie. A wish granting creature that, according to Hollywood, resides in a genies lamp, which you rub to call the genie out.
Both sides of the legend have made it into pop culture as icons of both good and evil. They have come into movies, such as Louis Leterrier's 'Clash of the Titans' and television series, such as Eric Kripke's 'Supernatural'.
11 November, 2011
Skin Walkers
There are many cultures around the world that have a myth about skin walkers. They are also often referred to as shape shifters, although I personally think of them as two separate things. One of the best documented legends revolving around skin walkers is that of the Navajo people.
According to this legend it is said that, the ability to skin walk is associated with evil. It is rare that this ability is an attribute of a woman, in most cases it is a man who is the skin walker. Skin walking is also connected to witchery.
In other legends a skin walker has to have the skin of a shape shifter to be able to change form. This is also linked with witchery as an enchantment/spell has to be preformed for this type of skin walking to be possible.
Skin walking is generally associated with evil in most legends. This is where I've found the difference between shape shifting. Although shape shifters are seen as dangerous, they are not always evil, and in some cases they are seen as protectors. I personally have not been able to find a legend that does not place skin walkers and evil hand in hand.
According to this legend it is said that, the ability to skin walk is associated with evil. It is rare that this ability is an attribute of a woman, in most cases it is a man who is the skin walker. Skin walking is also connected to witchery.
In other legends a skin walker has to have the skin of a shape shifter to be able to change form. This is also linked with witchery as an enchantment/spell has to be preformed for this type of skin walking to be possible.
Skin walking is generally associated with evil in most legends. This is where I've found the difference between shape shifting. Although shape shifters are seen as dangerous, they are not always evil, and in some cases they are seen as protectors. I personally have not been able to find a legend that does not place skin walkers and evil hand in hand.
07 November, 2011
Wendigo
There are a couple of legends around this topic. The first which I found says that this monster is one from the coldest places. It's made of mud and ice and feeds off flesh. It will attack just about anything for food, even other Wendigo's. It's also said that he can shape change into anything it wishes at any time it pleases.
Every legend about this monster agrees upon a few things. First, this beast is highly dangerous and should not be underestimated. Second, that it feeds upon flesh, preferably fresh. Lastly, that it learns extremely fast from any situation it's placed in.
The second legend I found says that the Wendigo was originally human. It's said that a wendigo is made from a person who has been forced into cannibalism to survive. Because the person ate human flesh it was the cursed and began to transform into the beast. It was often thought that people who have gone missing in the forests of northern america have fallen victim to the creature.
One last thing that the legends about this creature have in common is that the only way to kill a Wendigo is with fire.
There is a psychological condition that is unique to the Algonquin people labeled 'Wendigo Psychosis'. This is where the victom develops a craving for human flesh.
Every legend about this monster agrees upon a few things. First, this beast is highly dangerous and should not be underestimated. Second, that it feeds upon flesh, preferably fresh. Lastly, that it learns extremely fast from any situation it's placed in.
The second legend I found says that the Wendigo was originally human. It's said that a wendigo is made from a person who has been forced into cannibalism to survive. Because the person ate human flesh it was the cursed and began to transform into the beast. It was often thought that people who have gone missing in the forests of northern america have fallen victim to the creature.
One last thing that the legends about this creature have in common is that the only way to kill a Wendigo is with fire.
There is a psychological condition that is unique to the Algonquin people labeled 'Wendigo Psychosis'. This is where the victom develops a craving for human flesh.
25 October, 2011
Chupacabra
I first heard about the Chupacabra when surfing YouTube with my mum. Somehow we stumbled across a video of something that resembled a domestic dog, but there were some defining differences. It's hind legs were more like that of a hyenas, taller than it's front legs. It also looked as if it was furless. We had no idea what this was, and even thought it could be some clever camera trickery. We did some more research and came across the idea of the Chupacabra.
The legend originated from the America's. The translation of the name is 'goat sucker'. The name comes from reports that the creature feeds off the blood of stock animals, especially that of goats. Whether this creature is only that of an urban legend or is truly something that science is yet to recognize is hard to say. Everyone's heard the saying that seeing is believing but I don't particularly trust video from the Internet. It can be warped to look like and sound like something it's not.
It has been speculated that parasite ridden coyotes could be the basis of this legend. With certain parasites causing hear loss on animals, others causing that animal to become anemic, I find that plausible. I am not however, ruling out the existence of this creature. It may be far fetched but I'm not one to be a skeptic without really knowing.
There have been many reported sightings of this animal, and it's been given many different names. It's up to you what you think about his legend. But even if there's a tiny amount of a possibility that science had missed this creature, it would have to make you wonder what else we don't know or understand.
As one of my favorite quotes says, 'The more I know, the more I know I don't know'.
19 October, 2011
Vampire
My first topic is one which may be slightly overdone but there is a lot of lore surrounding it.
Most cultures have legend about vampires, but they do vary a bit.
Where there is the glorified Hollywood version with it's sexy allure, the legend of the vampire has been commercialized to appeal to a broad viewing market. In other words, it's been warped from something that used to be genuinely feared into something of curiosity.
It's well known that there are several movies and novels revolving around this legend, and most of them contort the legends too.
One of the few things that relates all the legends to do with vampires is their need to feed on blood. Even sunlight isn't a sole problem in all the lore. Speed, strength and an amazing ability to heal are common attributes given to such a creature, but again, it's not the same in all legends.
Within Romanian mythology vampires are known as Strigoi. These are considered as troubled spirits that are rising from their graves, but they can also be living people. With this lore they are seen as immortal.
Whether you prefer the Hollywood version or the more traditional thoughts, the legend of the vampire is wide spread and well known. Many think they know exactly what a vampire is but never spare a thought for the origin of the idea.
Most cultures have legend about vampires, but they do vary a bit.
Where there is the glorified Hollywood version with it's sexy allure, the legend of the vampire has been commercialized to appeal to a broad viewing market. In other words, it's been warped from something that used to be genuinely feared into something of curiosity.
It's well known that there are several movies and novels revolving around this legend, and most of them contort the legends too.
One of the few things that relates all the legends to do with vampires is their need to feed on blood. Even sunlight isn't a sole problem in all the lore. Speed, strength and an amazing ability to heal are common attributes given to such a creature, but again, it's not the same in all legends.
Within Romanian mythology vampires are known as Strigoi. These are considered as troubled spirits that are rising from their graves, but they can also be living people. With this lore they are seen as immortal.
Whether you prefer the Hollywood version or the more traditional thoughts, the legend of the vampire is wide spread and well known. Many think they know exactly what a vampire is but never spare a thought for the origin of the idea.
18 October, 2011
Intorduction
Hello everyone.
About this Blog
Aim:
To supply information on folk lore, mythology and legend to anyone who wishes to know more. Also to assist with research of said topics or even point people into the right direction.
Reasons:
As an avid writer I often try research lore on things I'm writing about. I've come across web pages that are very useful and others that are only marginally so. I would like to consillidate all the information I find into one easy to use place that supplies the ability to access further information if desired. I'd also like to supply the ability to place feedback or request subjects to be written about as well.
About the Author:
I'm a dedicated fiction writer whose works centre around the subjects of this blog. I am forever developing my research and writing skills and hope that I can use these skills to help others. I come from a large family who is very close knit and works together well 98% of the time.
My interests include music (mostly Rock) and pretty well anything that revolves around the supernatural genre.
I have another blog at: http://alyssa-hill.blogspot.com/
(please check it out to see what else I write about and to view extracts of my writing, both original works and fan-fictions)
Last Words:
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to look at any of my stuff and I hope you enjoy it or find it useful.
About this Blog
Aim:
To supply information on folk lore, mythology and legend to anyone who wishes to know more. Also to assist with research of said topics or even point people into the right direction.
Reasons:
As an avid writer I often try research lore on things I'm writing about. I've come across web pages that are very useful and others that are only marginally so. I would like to consillidate all the information I find into one easy to use place that supplies the ability to access further information if desired. I'd also like to supply the ability to place feedback or request subjects to be written about as well.
About the Author:
I'm a dedicated fiction writer whose works centre around the subjects of this blog. I am forever developing my research and writing skills and hope that I can use these skills to help others. I come from a large family who is very close knit and works together well 98% of the time.
My interests include music (mostly Rock) and pretty well anything that revolves around the supernatural genre.
I have another blog at: http://alyssa-hill.blogspot.com/
(please check it out to see what else I write about and to view extracts of my writing, both original works and fan-fictions)
Last Words:
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to look at any of my stuff and I hope you enjoy it or find it useful.
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