Solomonari
Encyclopedia
Origins and name
Solomonarii are very important characters of the Romanian mythology, a caste, order or congregation of wizards with special knowledge and abilities. Their origin is often linked [1] [2] with that of the ancient Dacian priests. The name "Solomonarii" (plural), "Solomonar" (singular) is a recent name, given because of ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
influences into the folklore, probably in the seventeenth century, and means "a man learned in the wisdom of Salomo", an incantator, a summoner and master of high and subtle energies. The original name for them, is "Zgrimties", or "Hultan".
[1] Traian Herseni, Le dragon dace, in Ethnologica, nr. 1, 1979, p. 13-22
[2] Eugen Agrigoroaiei, Tara neuitatelor constelatii, Iasi, 1981
Appearance and special abilities
The "Solomonari" are not supernatural creatures, but rather humans who have learned special abilities. It is said that the children which will became "solomonar", are born with different signs on them. Later, as the legend says, these children were chosen by experienced Solomonari, taken into forests or in caves, which were usually marked with coded inscriptions. There they learned the art and craft of wizardry, which they later used for fighting against the dark forces of nature and human spirit. They were healers, summoners, thaumaturgs and mastered the highest science and lore about the UniverseIt is believed they also had the power to summon a dragon, which they may ride. Also, they had the ability to control weather, they could bring rain and storms or send them wherever they were needed.
In the early history, the "solomonarii" were considered rather as benevolent, but as Christianity begun to supplement early beliefs, the "solomonarii" began to be considered evil, and the popular beliefs invented even an "anti-solomonar" sort of hero. The belief in the "solomonarii" has not died out completely, still remaining in some of the most remote villages.