The old continent has great legends, some of them better known while others will be totally unknown to you. Join us for the most amazing European myths , from the demons to the seventh children and many more.
Due to its rich history, Europe is one of the continents that has harbored the most legends. In this article, we will travel many kilometers through a trip that will show you really amazing stories. Discover the most amazing European myths!
10 amazing European myths | Demons, seventh children and more
1. The seventh child
In European folklore, there has always been a theory that seventh children have had special powers. The number seven has had great relevance and symbolism in the old continent. In some countries like Ireland, it is believed that the seventh child of a father who has also been has the power to read the future . While in other countries, it was thought that these offshoots would be able to cure any disease.
2. Medieval demons
In the Middle Ages, the legends of these creatures terrorized the vast majority of European inhabitants. The Holy Inquisition was in full swing, so the myths about demons were purposely propagated to make people fear almost all of the acts they performed. There were the demons of deceit, envy or lust, all of them represented in a terrifying way to scare the masses .
3. Wawel Dragon
This European myth, has its origin in Poland being in that country one of the most famous legends. It tells that a young man discovered a great dragon, near the city that we know today as Krakow . After telling the prince, he decided to proclaim that the knight who defeated the dragon would get his favor and the hand of the princess. Nobody was able to kill him, until a humble shoemaker devised a plan and stuffed a goat of sulfur and tar that exploded inside the dragon's stomach, bursting it into a thousand pieces.
4. Arturo and Merlin
We are sure that this legend will sound to you as it is one of the most famous European myths. It tells how Arthur became king of all England thanks to the help of Merlin the Wizzard and the magic sword that he took out of a rock. Arthur's reign was attended by the great knights of the round table, who jointly ruled the glorious city of Camelot. The wizard Merlin and King Arthur were two of the best-known characters in European mythology .
5. Fountain of youth
This place has been sought by countless rulers throughout history, since they all yearned for immortality and eternal youth . The first time you hear about this source is in classical Greece, thanks to the historian Heródoto. Later, Alexander the Great sought insistently the water of life as it was known then. Finally, at the time of the conquest of America, many intrepid conquerors assured that this magical spring was located in those newly discovered islands.
6. Sacred Spear
This myth is directly related to Jesus Christ and Christianity. Due to the growing expansion of Christianity in Europe, religious soon wanted to find the sacred relics of Christ. It is said that a Roman gladiator named Longinus, nailed a spear on the crucified body of Jesus Christ so that he would die faster. Knowing the great value and importance that could have for the pilgrim, many churches throughout Europe claimed that they had the remains of this wonderful spear .
7. Atlantis
Myth of a wonderful island that would be located under the ocean, near the Greek islands. It is said that this town was very old and its military power was brutal. Many researchers believe that the city must have really existed due to the innumerable references it had, but that it sank or disappeared critically. Atlantis has always been a civilization with many mysteries, for which many explorers would give their lives to find it .
8. Spring Heeled Jack
This English myth, speaks of the figure of a person who was engaged in jumping and havoc throughout the country. It emerged in the Victorian era and the legend says that this person was able to perform improbable jumps so that soon began to gain fame among people. He was tall, thin, with metal claws and eyes like the devil . It has never been known for sure what or who was Spring Heeled Jack.
9. Pandora's box
Thanks to this story, the Greeks could explain the wickedness of humanity and because hope is the last thing that is lost. Zeus to marry Epimetio with Pandora gave him an amphora or box that should not be opened under any circumstances, she could not resist and opened it releasing all the evils of the universe and staying inside hope. That's where the saying goes Hope is the last thing you lose .
10. Icarus
This boy and his father, were imprisoned in the prison of Crete, but Dédado, who was a brilliant builder, built wings made with bird feathers so he could escape since he could not be by land or by sea. After telling his son that he could not fly near the sea, nor even from the sun, so as not to wet or burn the wax of the wings, he ignored it and he wanted to ascend so the Sun melted his wings and fell . From this legend comes the phrase that it is not good to fly near the star king, since you will end up suffering the consequences.
As you may have seen, after reading these European myths, the old continent is full of them. Some serve to extract teachings, while others show horrible creatures. Now we would like to know your opinion about the article, Write us!