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This article is based off of the Wikipedia article„Zmeu“ from the free encylopedia Wikipedia in the version from 19 April 2017 (Permanent link) and is licensed with GNU Free Documentation License. There's a list of authors at Wikipedia. |
The Zmeu (plural: zmei, feminine: zmeoaică/zmeoaice) are a fantastic creature of Romanian folklore and Romanian mythology. Sometimes compared to other fantastic creatures, such as the balaur ( a hydra-like dragon from romanian mythology ), the zmeu is nevertheless distinct, because it usually has clear anthropomorphic traits such as legs, arms, and the torso , which all resemble human limbs
Zmei figure prominently in many Romanian folk tales as the manifestations of the destructive forces of greed and selfishness. Often, the zmei steal something of great value, which, usually, only the Romanian hero Făt-Frumos can retrieve. For example, in the ballad of the knight Greuceanu, the zmeu known as The Zmeu of Zmei (Zmeul Zmeilor) steals the sun and the moon from the sky, thereby enshrouding all humanity in darkness. In the story of Prâslea the Brave and the Golden Apples, the Zmeu of Zmei robs the king of the precious "golden apples".
Usually, the zmei reside in the "other world" (celălalt tărâm) and sometimes Făt-Frumos has to descend into his dark kingdom, implying that the zmei live underground.
A Zmeu is also sometimes pictured as a flame who goes in the room of a young girl or widow and once inside, becomes a man and seduces her.
ZMEUL ZMEILOR
The Zmeu of Zmei, also known as Zmeul Zmeilor in the Romanian language, is considered the strongest one of the Zmei and usually the leader of them. Said Zmeu has enhanced magical abilities and can usually be seen flying. He sometimes has a magical stone that shines like the sun in his forehead which enhances his magical abilities even more. He is the most dragon-like, as the other zmei that appear in legends are usually more ogre-like. When talking about the Zmeu, most people are referring to Zmeul Zmeilor.
The zmeu of zmei has a plethora of magical, destructive powers at his disposal. He can fly, shapeshift, and has tremendous supernatural strength. Ultimately, the abilities of the zmeu are of no avail, as the hero defeats him through martial skill and daring.
A Zmeu is also sometimes pictured as a flame who goes in the room of a young girl or widow and once inside, becomes a man and seduces her.