Spirits and Creatures from Romanian Mythology — The ielele

The Air Spirits — The Ielele The Ielele are supernatural female creatures from Romanian mythology, widespread in superstitions, but without a precise profile due to the inconsistency of folklore. However, the preferred mythological form is that of magical maidens with great seductive power and magical abilities, combining the attributes of nymphs, naiads, dryads, and somewhat of sirens. They are similar to the samodiva creatures from Bulgarian mythology. More information can be found in ancient incantations where they appear as terrifying beings, enemies of humans, and when the incantation is performed, it is done to ward them off. The popular name “Iele” comes from the third person plural pronoun “ele” (they) to avoid calling them specifically and invoking them. The Ielele are spirits that take the form of exceptionally beautiful women who enchant with their dances and songs. They are very similar to the nymphs of the Greeks. They appear after the darkness sets in, in numbers of at least 3 or 5, 7, 9, or 12. They dance and sing naked, with their hair untied, usually wearing crowns of flowers. If they are dressed, it is only thin, transparent white veils that resemble dead brides. The Ielele are also known by other names depending on the region, such as “the beauties,” “the holy ones,” “the dancers,” or “the rusalkas.” When they dance, always in perfect circles, they…