Zmeu: A Vampire Dragon

Zmeu is a vampire-like creature found in different legends across the globe. One, in particular, was through the myths of Moldavia. They believe that his creature can assume the appearance of a flame and enter young girls' rooms every night. The Zmeu would then take the form of a young man and seduce the victim.

 

The Legend of Zmeu

 

In Transylvania, the Zmeu takes the identity of a young girl. She was said to live in the deep forest. She would seduce mostly the shepherds, promising them to take their cattle into a greener land if the shepherd made love with her. In Romanian Myths, the Zmeu has human traits and has a specific desire to marry young girls. They believe that this creature is a manifestation of selfishness and greed. Based on the legends of Romania, this creature has an uncanny habit of stealing valuable things that only a young handsome man can retrieve.

 

Zmeu on The Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk?

 

There is a legend of the Zmeu that is similar to the famous tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Some of the English translations depicted this creature as a giant or an ogre. The story relayed a zmeu who kidnapped a beautiful maiden and took it to his realm to be his wife. A Fat-Frumos (the term for a Prince Charming) slew the zmeu and took the young girl to be his wife. In other stories, the Zmeu has a magical stone in its head that is as bright as the sun. His original form was said to be that of a dragon.

 

Some parables describe zmeu as a dragon. The dragon will transform into a lover or a hero to easily seduce the woman. However, there are instances when it is depicted as something diabolical. When a zmeu would approach and seduce you, one should carry garlic, candle wax, and a celandine to protect yourself from its power.