Northern Albanian Folk Tales, Myths and Legends

By Arti Malaj

Generations of Northern Albanians' are great storytellers. They've shared many folk tales, myths, and legends with their descendants. The collected short stories include mysterious legends of lost treasures, mystical tales of mountain fairies, superhuman powers, century-old witches, blood feuds, and more written by a 12th generation Albanian. The lands described in the stories are still visible today, and locals share a sense of wonder and respect the mysteries that hide beneath. Northern Albania is a true treasure of raw natural beauty and a hidden gem in Southeastern Europe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arti Malaj
• Release date: Nov 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393708179

Book preview

Northern Albanian

Folk Tales, Myths and Legends

Northern Albanian Folk Tales, Myths and Legends

Arti Malaj

Copyright © 2020 Arti Malaj

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 9781659604658

www.homesteadalbania.com

In honor of my Grandfather Gjeto Gjon Malaj, his incredible influence during my youth.  And to my wife, Kim, for her assistance with the publication, pictures and illustrations in this book.

––––––––

A special thank you to my editor, Sarah Boyd for her thoughtful patience, English is my third language.

Author’s Note

The short stories in this book are the legends and myths of the northern Albanian people. I am a twelfth-generation Albanian; my ancestors founded our village in the district, now known as Malësi e Madhe. I was born into Communist Albania. My childhood memories are spotty at best, with one shining exception, my grandfather Gjeto. He was an amazing creative craftsman and an engaging storyteller. I always admired his ability to share a story that enchanted adults and children alike. This book is an artistic reflection of a few tales Gjeto shared during our summers camping in the mountains or during the cold, drafty winters cuddled by the fire.

Table of Contents

Discovery of Bajzë

Accursed Mountains

Saint Nikolla

The Lady in the Basket

Cursed Treasure of the Oak

The Old Man and his Treasure

The Old Couple and the Month of April

Myself and the Devil

Rozafa

The Fairies of the Mountain and Mui

The General and Mui

The Shepherd and Mui

Blood Feud

The Dragon Man

The Curse of the Horse

Hot Hero

The Snake Son

The Woman and the Devil

Albanian Alps

Lepushë Alliance

Captured Bride

The Lake and Sky

Discovery of Bajzë

Bajzë, a small town in northern Albania, founded and settled by seven brothers, but it was first discovered by a lone rider. Yes, a little wild west, but the tale starts with a man traveling alone on a horse.

The man journeyed south over the steep mountain terrain into a lush, forested valley. Several days had passed without water or food. He became too weak to ride and lost in the woods. He could not continue, dismounted, and prepared himself for his last rest.

He released