Maltese mythology

Maltese mythology

Maltese mythology involves myths and various stories from Malta, concerning mysterious creatures and supernatural occurrences. These were most comprehensively compiled by the scholar (and pioneer in Maltese archeology) Manwel Magri[1] in his core criticism "Ħrejjef Missirijietna" ("Stories from our Forefathers"). This collection of material inspired subsequent researchers and academics to gather traditional tales, fables and legends from all over the Maltese archipelago.

Magri's work also inspired a series of comic books (released by Klabb Kotba Maltin in 1984): the titles included Bin is-Sultan Jiźźewweġ x-Xebba tat-Tronġiet Mewwija and Ir-Rjieħ. Many of these stories have been popularly re-written as children's literature by authors writing in Maltese, such as Trevor Żahra. While giants, witches and dragons feature in many of the stories, some contain entirely Maltese creatures like the Kaw kaw, Il-Belliegħa, and L-Imħalla, among others. The traditional Maltese obsession with maintaining spiritual (or ritual) purity[2] means that many of these creatures have the role of guarding forbidden or restricted areas and attacking individuals who broke the strict codes of conduct that characterized the islands' pre-industrial society.

Two legends from Malta are the Ghar Hasan legend and the legend of Saint Dimitri.

Notes and citations

  1. ^ "Patri Manwel Magri u l-Ipoġew", Lil Ħbiebna, Novembru 2003, pp. 195-197.
  2. ^ Zarb, T. Folklore of An Island, PEG Ltd, 1998

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