melegf – 𝐀𝐗𝐈𝐒 ֎ 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈

“Chameleonic analogies”: from the mandrake to the salamander, from the basilisk to the elf

Published on: May 3, 2022 Last updated on: April 23 2023 Written by: melegf Categorized into: Anthropology, Esotericism, folklore, Middle Ages, Mito

In many legends of Italian folklore the mandrake inhabits the waters and is interchangeably described in its triple plant, zoomorphic, anthropomorphic aspect. Here we will describe some particular convergences between the "monster-mandrake", some mythological and non-mythological reptiles (salamanders, basilisks, snakes, dragons, reptiles and amphibians in general, winged creatures) and some subterranean and liminal creatures of the various legends such as spirits, goblins, premature deaths, damned souls.

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Ritual and medicinal uses of Papaver Somniferum

Published on: October 15, 2021 Last updated on: October 17, 2021 Written by: melegf Categorized into: Anthropology, Mito, Psychedelia, History of Religions

Traditionally, since ancient times, the opium poppy has been used as a medicinal remedy, from the Eleusinian Mysteries to the so-called "papagna" of Salento women. Here we retrace its ritual use and the myths connected to it.

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At the origins of Laùro, the Salento nightmare sprite

Published on: 1 September 2021 Last updated on: 3 September 2021 Written by: melegf Categorized into: Anthropology, Esotericism, folklore, History of Religions

There are those who see in Laùro Salentino, even starting from the etymology, the descendant of the ancient Lare, the Roman domestic spirit. But more generally the points of contact with other supernatural entities of the Mediterranean tradition stand out, from the Nightmare to the Munaciello, from the Genius Cucullato to the Telesforo.

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