The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE ZMAY IN RURAL BULGARIA ARE LEGENDARY CREATURES WHO ARE ONE
HALF SERPENT AND HALF MAN. THEY WARN THE PARENTS BEFORE HAND, OF
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN A VILLAGE, THAT THEY ARE GOING TO ABDUCT
THEIR DAUGHTER. THE PARENTS ARE NEARLY POWERLESS IN STOPPING THE
POWERFUL AND MAGICAL ZMAY. WHEN THE TIME COMES FOR THE ZMAY TO
TAKE HIS BRIDE, HE APPEARS WITH ALL HIS RELATIVES. SOMETIMES THE
GIRLS PARENTS PROTECT THE GIRL WITH MAGICAL HERBS.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAID PEASANTS USE THE ZMAY EXPLANATION TO EXPLAIN
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOVELY MAIDENS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-21-1970