Solomonari
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[edit] Origins and name
Solomonarii are very important characters of the Romanian mythology, seen like a caste or congregation of wizards which special abilities. Their origin, is often linked by many folklorists whith that of the ancient dacian priests. The name "Solomonarii" (plural), "Solomonar" (singular) is a recent name, given because of Christian influences into the folklore, probably in the XVII century. The original name for them, is "Zgrimties", or "Hultan".
[edit] Appearance and special abilities
The "Solomonari" are not supernatural creatures, but rather humans who have learned special abilities. It is said that the children which will became "solomonar", are borned with different signs on them. Later, as the legend says, these children go into forests or in caves, which are usually marked with different inscriptions. There they learn the art of magic from the devil "Uniilă".
It is believed they also the power to summon a balaur (dragon, in Romanian beliefs), which they ride. Also, they can have the ability to control weather, they can bring rain and storms.
In the early history, the "solomonarii" where considered rather as benevolent, but as Christianity begun to supplement early beliefs, the "solomonarii" began to be considered evil, and the popular beliefs invented even an "anti-solomonar" sort of hero. The belief in the "solomonarii" has not died out completely, still remaining in some of the most remote villages.
