#zmeu

[artbyanca]

Waiting beneath the bridge

Greuceanu slayed the younger zmei and is waiting for their dad to return from hunting.

[metamorphspectra]

Caliborn and Calliope in Romanian traditional outfits

Eyo, folks, I have finally finished the cherubim as well. Caliborn is based on the zmeu and Calliope is based on the saint helper from the Romanian fairy tales. Honestly the clothes took me a while to plan, so there was a delay. But I am glad they are done. :3

I hope you like them!

Annnd they are available on my Redbubble shop as well. Link to the collection with the trolls, too: https://www.redbubble.com/people/metamorphspec5/shop?artistUserName=Metamorphspec5&collections=4277943&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=top%20selling

[fhtagn-and-tentacles]

THE ZMEU 

by Ksenia “Iren Horrors” Svincova

[etherati]

July 2018 Artsnacks - The Lesser Pink Zmeu

Going for sort of a medieval bestiary vibe, though the pink is unconventional XD The watercolor ink was fun to work with but unfortunately doesn't photograph well.

[caciula-lui-burebista]

Today I'll be talking about:

Zmei

Zmeu (pl. Zmei, f. Zmeoaică, Zmeoaice) is a fantastic creature from Romanian folklore. It can be compared to a Balaur, a Dragon or an Ogre, but it's...different from them, because it has clear anthropomorphic AND reptilian traits.

Appearance

Zmei have legs, arms and a torso, all of which are similar to human ones. They also have reptilian features (dragon ones, if you will), like fangs, wings, the shape of the head, a tail, scales etc.

Role in stories

The Zmeu is always the antagonist, kidnapping beautiful princesses and wanting to marry them (like Ileana Cosânzeana) or stealing magic objects (like the Golden Apples). Anyhow, a prince or a young man (who, after demonstrating his power to the Emperor, is promised a part of the kingdom) goes to rescue the stolen objects/princess.

This is yet another illustration of the fight of good versus evil, admirable traits (bravery, kindness, friendship) always winning against the Zmeu, who represents greed, lust and selfishness.

Home of the Zmei

The Zmei usually reside in "the other world" (Lumea Cealaltă), suggested to be below the ground, as the prince "descends" into the land of the Zmei.

Linguistic aspects, inspiration

Many scholars say that the Zmeu (Romanian) is inspired from the Slavic Zmey, which are the Slavic dragons. Some say that it may be influenced by the Dacian language. Who knows?

Unfortunately I didn't find too many images that respect the description of the Zmei from the folk tales, but if you DO have anything feel free to comment or reblog with a picture ^_^

Image sources:

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[virovac]

I misplaced my original post but

I have this idea for a horror movie that's made to make you think its about a vampire but its actually a dragon, or at least mixed of a very similar overlapping creature like a darker take on the trickster Zmeu of Romania (even the perfect setting).. Hates crosses? Understandable. A large seemingly mostly uninhabited castle? The large halls are perfect size for a large resident. Predatory to women in both senses of the word? Yep.

 It fits very well

[teutatesmars]

The Three Brothers and the Golden Apple

[lpbestiary]

The Zmeu is a dragon-like creature from Romanian mythology. Unlike most dragons, it is said to have a humanoid figure combined with draconic aspects. Stories about the Zmeu vary, but it is usually said to be very greedy and vain.

Often, the Zmeu is said to hoard wealth, but is sometimes said to instead desire young girls. It is very powerful and is able to fly. Some stories give it a magical gem in its head which is said to shine like the sun.

Image source.

Monster master list.

Suggest a spook.