Albanian mythology

Albanian mythology comprises myths and legends of the Albanians. The elements of Albanian mythology are of Paleo-Balkanic origin and almost all of them are pagan.
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" (Këngë Kreshnikësh or Cikli i Kreshnikëve), the traditional cycle of Albanian epic songs. In various tales there is a certain degree of Greek and Latin influence, some mythological figures derive from Greek mythology.Mircea Eliade, Charles J. Adams, Encyclopedia of religion, Macmillan, 1987, ISBN 9780029097007, p. 179.
==List of legends, myths, ballads, and characters==
Some of the best known legends, concepts, ballads, songs and/or characters of Albanian mythology are:
*Besa
*Bolla
*Bajloz or Katallan (giant)
*Constantin and Doruntine
*Dhampir
*Djall (devil)
*Drangue
*Gjergj Elez Alia
*Kacamisri (similar to Tom Thumb)
*Karkanxhol (werewolf)
*Keshete (naiad)
*Kukudhi
*Lubi (Chimera)
*Nuse Mali (Nymph of the Mountain)
*Perendi
*Prende
*Princess Argjiro
*Rozafati
*Shtojzovalle (sylph)
*Shtriga
*Shurdhi
*The Tale of the Eagle
*Tomor
*Thopc (gnome)
*Verbti
*Zana e malit (Mountain Fairy)
==References==
==Further reading==
*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
==External links==
*National Center of Folkloric Activites of Albania (Albanian)
Category:Mythology
Category:Albania