Romanian Myths. From Werewolves and Pharaohs to Muma Pădurii and Dracula

For many centuries, the Romanian people lived at the crossroads of cultures, and in their mutual influence, a whimsical picture of Romanian mythology was formed. Much of it seems familiar, while much is unfamiliar. It has its own dragons — balaurs, sorcerers — solomonari, and firebirds — măiastre. In it, God and the devil created the earth together. And behind the mask of the famous Count Dracula lies an intertwining of several folkloric motifs, equally distant from the image of the aristocratic bloodsucker.
The writer and translator Natalia Osoianu takes on the task of showing this intricate beauty and originality, opening the door for the reader to an unexplored world.