Romania
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Zmeu
The Zmeu is from the myths of Romania and the Balkans. They take the form of a flying ball of light to hunt prey. In Romania they take the form of handsome men. They seduce female victims and drains their life force from them. In the Balkans they are believed to take the form of a scaly ogre who can shapeshift into various animals. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Varcolac/Varacolaci(pl.)
The Varcolac is a form of wolf monster from Romanian myth. Some believe the Varcolac is a Christian reinvention of Fenrir. They sometimes take the form of demons who possess the corpses of unbaptized children. They can be created when someone commits suicide, or they can simply become a Varcolac from a hereditary curse. Some however believe God sends the Varcolaci to consume the moon to lead men to repent. When they rise from the grave they have pale, dry skin. They’re seen as enemies of light who seek to swallow the sun and the moon, causing eclipses when they near success. They are particularly active on St. Georges day,…
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Urias
The Urias were a race of giants and were considered the first to inhabit the earth in Romania and Russia. They lived in peace with humans at first but eventually began to cause war and destruction. They were often connected to Nephilim. They were killed by the biblical flood. Urias burial mounds contain riches. These graves can be found on Christmas Eve, Easter, or Saint Georges Day, at which time a magic fire burns above them. Citations: McElroy, D.R.. Superstitions: A Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from Around the World. United States, Book Sales, 2020. World Mythology Lite. N.P., Frederick Holiday.
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Strigoi
The Strigoi is a form of vampiric monster from Romanian myth. The term Strigoi can be used as a general term for any evil entity, and it comes from the Italian word “strega” meaning Witch. They often shapeshift into night birds like owls. Over time they transformed from witch vampires to an undead form of vampire. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Endrop
The Endrop is a form of Fairy Animal from Romanian myth. It’s descrption is incredibly similar to the Kelpie and Each-Uisge . It appears as a horse and entices people to ride on its back. They then dive into the water and drown the rider. It’s thought that victims can only save themselves if they pray to Jesus. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Drakul
The Drakul is an undead form of vampire from Moldavia and Romania. The name relates to words for “devil” and “dragon” and is often used as an expletive. Drakul also served as a nickname to the father of Vlad Tepes who was associated with a group called the Order of the Dragon. This led to Vlad the Impaler to be referred to as Dracula. Along with being the name used by Bram Stokers character, there were several people in history referred to as Dracula. They’re corpses raised from the dead after being possessed by a demonic force. They have pale skin, hollow eyes, walk around naked, and carry their coffins…
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Children of Judas
The Children of Judas are from Serbian, Bulgarian, and Romanian myth. They are a type of vampire who always have red hair and can drain victims of every drop of blood through a single bite. Their bite marks often resemble the way the Latin number thirty is written, XXX, symbolizing the amount of silver Judas took to betray Jesus. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Aripa Satanai/Samca
The Aripa Satanai is from Romanian Folklore. Her name translates to “Satan’s Wing.” She’s incredibly bloodthirsty, and thought to be half bear and half old woman. She is often called “Queen of the Forest” because she controls everything in the woods. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2017.
