
Folklore of Italy refers to the
folklore
Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as tales, legends, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, rangin ...
and
urban legends of
Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, s ...
. Within the Italian territory, various peoples have followed one another over time, each of which has left its mark on current culture. Some tales also come from
Christianization
Christianization ( or Christianisation) is to make Christian; to imbue with Christian principles; to become Christian. It can apply to the conversion of an individual, a practice, a place or a whole society. It began in the Roman Empire
...
, especially those concerning
demons, which are sometimes recognized by Christian
demonology
Demonology is the study of demon
A demon is a malevolent supernatural
Supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin (above, beyond, or outside o ...
. Folklore also includes
folk music
Folk music is a music genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has ...
,
folk dance and
folk hero
A folk hero or national hero is a type of hero – real, fictional or mythological – with their name, personality and deeds embedded in the popular consciousness of a people, mentioned frequently in folk songs, folk tales and other folklor ...
es.
Figures and legends of Italian folklore
Below is a list of the folklore figures who have animated Italian folk tales since
ancient Rome
In modern historiography, ancient Rome refers to Roman civilisation from the founding of the city of Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus ( legendary)
, image_ ...
.
Traditional characters
* In Italian folklore, the ''
Befana
In Italian folklore, the Befana () is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the ...
'' is an old woman who
delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on
Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to
Santa Claus or the
Three Magi Kings.
A popular belief is that her name derives from the
Feast of
Epiphany ( it, Festa dell'Epifania).
* ''Santa Lucia'' is a holy woman who delivers gifts to children of
Bergamo
Bergamo (; lmo, Bèrghem ; from the proto- Germanic elements *''berg +*heim'', the "mountain home") is a city in the alpine Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blan ...
and province on 13 December, again like
Santa Claus.

*
Alberto da Giussano is a
legendary character of the 12th century who would have participated, as a protagonist, in the
battle of Legnano
The Battle of Legnano was a battle between the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa and the troops of the Lombard League on May 29, 1176, near the town of Legnano in present-day Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), ...
on 29 May 1176.
In reality, according to historians, the actual military leader of the
Lombard League in the famous military battle with
Frederick Barbarossa was
Guido da Landriano.
* The ''Mommotti'' in the
Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
n tradition they represent an imaginary figure used to frighten children. Sometimes they are associated with the black man or with an evil ogre and their job is to take away children who do not behave well.
* The ''
Benandanti'' were linked to a pagan-shamanic peasant cult based on the fertility of the land widespread in Friuli around the 16th-17th century. These were small congregations that worked to protect villages and the crops from the evil intervention of witches.
* ''Bombasìn'' is a monstrous character of the tradition of the
Polesine and the
Venetian Lagoon. Traditionally linked to the customs of Brusavecia and Carnival, the character has the appearance of an angry bull, and represents the most ferocious and wild side of human nature. Sometimes he is accompanied on parades by peasants who hold him in check with a chain, while the Bombasìn scares young and old in its path. Its name derives from cotton wool, a word that in turn derives from the Greek word for cotton, a material used to build the large black matel that wraps the Bombasìn. More recent tales connect him to the mythical character of King Hadrian and to the Gnomes of Polesine.
* The ''Strego'' is a character of the popular tradition of
Garfagnana
The Garfagnana () is a historical and geographical region of central Italy
Central Italy ( it, Italia centrale or just ) is one of the five official statistical regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ...
. Unlike classic witches and sorcerers, dedicated to various exercises of witchcraft and aimed exclusively at procuring evil for people, the witch seems to have a more ambiguous attitude as it is usually disinterested in other human beings preferring to gather in groups to perform non-religious ceremonies. well identified.
* The ''Orcolat'' is a monstrous being that popular tradition indicates as the cause of the earthquakes in
Friuli. The Orcolat is a recurring figure especially in the tales of the popular tradition.
* The ''Maskinganna'', literally "master of deceptions", was a legendary character of Sardinian folklore who enjoyed making fun of sleeping people making them awaken in terror.
* The ''Pettenedda'' is a mythical creature that belongs to the Sardinian tradition and that would live in wells. The legend was probably invented by mothers to scare children and keep them away from wells.
* The ''
Giufà'' is referred to in some areas of the country.
He is a "village fool", whose actions and words usually serve to provide a moral message.
* The ''Marranghino'' is a fictional character of
Lucanian folklore. Its myth shares common traits with that of ''Monachicchio'', and is particularly widespread in the
province of Matera.
* The ''Sa Mama 'e su Sole'' ("the Mother of the Sun"), is a fantastic creature of the Sardinian tradition used to scare children who did not want to go to sleep on summer afternoons, when the sun was too strong.
* The ''Babau'' (more rarely ''Babao'', ''Barabao'' or ''Bobo'') is in Italian folklore and other European regions, an imaginary monster with undefined characteristics that is traditionally invoked to scare children.
* The ''
Orco'' is a fairy-tale character probably derived from the ogre of Roman mythology, an evil imaginary humanoid monster of enormous tonnage and with an irascible temperament, devouring human flesh, especially children.
Witches

* The ''Cogas'' or ''Bruxas'', in Sardinian traditions, are witches with the appearance of an old woman, having the ability to assume any shape and size, both animal and vegetable or even of people; that's why they are dangerous.
* The ''Janare'', in
Benevento popular belief, especially in the peasant one, are the witches of Benevento whose terrible misdeeds are told.
* The ''Majare'' are the witches of the popular culture of
Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy, regions of Italy. The Strait of Messina divides it from the region of Calabria in Southern Italy. I ...
.
* The ''Pantàsema'' is an ancient female figure linked to the agricultural rites of the pagan culture of
Central Italy
Central Italy ( it, Italia centrale or just ) is one of the five official statistical regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in t ...
, particularly present in the
Molise
it, Molisano (man) it, Molisana (woman)
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,
Lazio
it, Laziale
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,
Abruzzo
, population_note =
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,
Umbria
it, Umbro (man) it, Umbra (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 =
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 =
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e
Marche
Marche ( , ) is one of the twenty regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Medite ...
territories.
* The
witches of Valcamonica were persecuted between the 16th century in the
Valcamonica.
* The ''
Borda'' belong to the culture of the
Emilia-Romagna
egl, Emigliàn (man) egl, Emiglièna (woman) rgn, Rumagnòl (man) rgn, Rumagnòla (woman) it, Emiliano (man) it, Emiliana (woman) or it, Romagnolo (man) it, Romagnola (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title ...
and other areas of the
Po Valley
The Po Valley, Po Plain, Plain of the Po, or Padan Plain ( it, Pianura Padana , or ''Val Padana'') is a major geographical feature of Northern Italy. It extends approximately in an east-west direction, with an area of including its Venetic ...
in
Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, s ...
. It is a sort of witch that appears, blindfolded and horrible, both at night and on foggy days and kills anyone who has the misfortune to meet her. It is a
personification
Personification occurs when a thing or abstraction is represented as a person, in literature or art, as a type of anthropomorphic metaphor. The type of personification discussed here excludes passing literary effects such as "Shadows hold their ...
of the fear related to
swamps and
marshlands, and to ponds and canals, invoked by adults to scare children and keep them away from such potentially dangerous places.
* The ''Masca'' is an important figure in
Piedmont
Piedmont ( ; it, Piemonte, ) is a region of Northwest Italy, one of the regions of Italy, 20 regions of the country. It borders the Liguria region to the south, the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions to the east and the Aosta Valley region to th ...
ese folklore and popular belief, which attributes to her supernatural faculties handed down from mother to daughter or from grandmother to granddaughter.
* The ''Bàsura'', a witch of
Liguria
Liguria (; lij, Ligûria ; french: Ligurie) is a Regions of Italy, region of north-western Italy; its Capital city, capital is Genoa. Its territory is crossed by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains, Apennines Mountain chain, mountain range and is ...
n folklore whose tradition is widespread above all in the West, is bad, according to folklores. According to the legend, she is the witch who lives in the
Toirano Caves (otherwise known as the ''Grotte della Strega'', "caves of witch"); the legend developed when, after the discovery of the caves, all the labyrinths were closed, and the wind made strange noises. Legend has it that the ''Bàsura'' does not want anyone to enter its caves.
* The ''
Giubiana'' is a witch of
Lombard and Piedmontese folklore, often thin, with very long legs and red stockings. It lives in the woods and thanks to its long legs, it never sets foot on the ground, but moves from tree to tree. So he observes all those who enter the woods and frightens them, especially the children.
* The ''Maciara'' is a person to whom magical powers are attributed by the popular culture of Southern Italy.
Fairies
*The ''Janas'' were the fairies of
Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
n folklore. They lived in the so-called Domus de Janas, which were actually rock-cut tombs. According to other legends, they lived on top of the
nurhags and spent their time weaving with a gold loom.
*The ''Anguana'' or ''Agana'' or ''
Longana'' is an aquatic nymph belonging to
Alpine mythology, also widespread in
Umbria
it, Umbro (man) it, Umbra (woman)
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, ...
, and which is also spoken of in the area of the
Marmore Falls, in which it would live and/or refresh itself daily. There is also talk of this fairy in
Abruzzo
, population_note =
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,
Tuscany
it, Toscano (man) it, Toscana (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 = Citizenship
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 = Italian
, demogra ...
(in the area of the Tuscan-Emilian
Apennines
The Apennines or Apennine Mountains (; grc-gre, links=no, Ἀπέννινα ὄρη or Ἀπέννινον ὄρος; la, Appenninus or – a singular with plural meaning;''Apenninus'' (Greek or ) has the form of an adjective, which wou ...
), in
Veneto
it, Veneto (man) it, Veneta (woman)
, population_note =
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and in
Emilia-Romagna
egl, Emigliàn (man) egl, Emiglièna (woman) rgn, Rumagnòl (man) rgn, Rumagnòla (woman) it, Emiliano (man) it, Emiliana (woman) or it, Romagnolo (man) it, Romagnola (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title ...
. As an aquatic nymph it lives only in fresh waters, such as lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls or streams.
* The ''Bella 'mbriana'', in the popular belief of the
Neapolitan people, is the spirit of the house.
Sprites

* The ''Buffardello'', a
sprite present in the popular tradition of the
province of Lucca and in particular of the
Garfagnana
The Garfagnana () is a historical and geographical region of central Italy
Central Italy ( it, Italia centrale or just ) is one of the five official statistical regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ...
but also of the
Lunigiana in the
province of Massa-Carrara
The province of Massa-Carrara ( it, provincia di Massa-Carrara) is a province
A province is almost always an administrative division within a country
A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation
A nation i ...
.
* The ''Gnefro'' is a sprite of the popular culture of the city of
Terni
Terni ( , ; lat, Interamna (Nahars)) is a city in the southern portion of the region of Umbria in central Italy. It is near the border with Lazio
it, Laziale
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 ...
and the
Valnerina.
* The ''Muddittu'' is a sprite of the popular culture of
Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy, regions of Italy. The Strait of Messina divides it from the region of Calabria in Southern Italy. I ...
.
* The ''Mazzamurello'' or ''Mazzamaurello'' is a sprite of the folkloric-fairytale tradition of the
Marche
Marche ( , ) is one of the twenty regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Medite ...
,
Lazio
it, Laziale
, population_note =
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and
Abruzzo
, population_note =
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.
* The ''Laurieddu'' is a malignant sprite of the folkloric imaginary of
Salento
Salento ( Salentino: ''Salentu'', Salentino Griko: ''Σαλέντο'') is a cultural, historical and geographic region at the southern end of the administrative region of Apulia in Southern Italy. It is a sub-peninsula
A peninsula (; ) is ...
.
* The ''Lenghelo'' is a goblin or sprite present in the popular tradition of the
Castelli Romani which has its roots in
ancient Rome
In modern historiography, ancient Rome refers to Roman civilisation from the founding of the city of Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus ( legendary)
, image_ ...
.
* The ''Linchetto'' is a sprite present in the popular tradition of the
province of Lucca.
* The ''Mazapégul'' is a sprite present in the popular tradition of
Romagna.
* The ''Mazaròl'' is a sprite of the folkloric-fairytale tradition of
Dolomiti.
* The ''Monachicchio'' is a sprite present in the popular tradition of
Basilicata
it, Lucano (man) it, Lucana (woman)
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...
.
* The ''
Monaciello'' is a legendary sprite from the ancient folklore of
Naples
Naples (; it, Napoli ; nap, Napule ), from grc, Νεάπολις, Neápolis, lit=new city. is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Repub ...
. Monaciello, which means "little
Monk
A monk (, from el, μοναχός, ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin
Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spok ...
" in
Neapolitan, is typically a benevolent man, short and stocky, dressed in a long monk's robe with a broad hood.
* The ''Squasc'' is a mythological being from the folklore of eastern
Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
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, ...
.
* The ''Tummà'' is a sprite present in the popular tradition of
Apulia
it, Pugliese
, population_note =
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, demographics1_title1 =
, demographics1_info1 =
, demographic ...
.
Ghosts

* The ''Confinati'' or the ''Anime Confinate'' are mythical figures widespread in the popular traditions of north-eastern
Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
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, ...
, especially in the
Bergamo
Bergamo (; lmo, Bèrghem ; from the proto- Germanic elements *''berg +*heim'', the "mountain home") is a city in the alpine Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blan ...
valleys,
Val Camonica and
Valtellina.
* The ''Pandafeca'' is a dreamlike manifestation, commonly widespread in the imaginary of the
Abruzzo
, population_note =
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culture.
* According to legend, ''Azzurrina'' was the daughter of a certain Ugolinuccio di Montebello, lord of Montebello, in the modern
province of Rimini
The province of Rimini ( it, provincia di Rimini) is a province
A province is almost always an administrative division within a country
A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation
A nation is a communit ...
, in the mid-14th century. According to the folktale, she would have mysteriously disappeared.
* The ''Bianca di Collalto'' tells of a young maid who was walled up alive due to the jealousy of her mistress. His ghost appears to the members of the
Collalto family to announce joys or misfortunes.
* The ''Guria'', is a spirit of the popular tradition of
Barletta that inhabits the houses, often identified as the "spirit of the house".
Demons

*
Aamon is a Grand
Marquis of
Hell
In religion
Religion is usually defined as a social- cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relates hu ...
who governs 40 infernal legions, and the 7th spirit of the
Goetia. He is the demon of life and reproduction. According to the ''
Dictionnaire Infernal'' by
Collin de Plancy, he commands 40 legions of demons and carries the title of Prince.
* ''Su Ammuntadore'' or ''Ammuntadori'' is a creature of
Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
n mythology that would attack people in their sleep through nightmares.
* ''Maimone'' or ''Mamuthone'' is a divinity of nature current in the mythology and culture of Sardinia. He was transformed, with the advent of Christianity, into a demon.
*
Krampus is a horned,
anthropomorphic figure in Central and Eastern
Alpine folklore
Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as tales, legends, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, rangin ...
who, during the Christmas season, scares children who have misbehaved. Krampus acts as an anti–
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra, ; la, Sanctus Nicolaus (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343), also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor (; modern-day D ...
, who, instead of giving gifts to good children, gives warnings and punishments to the bad children. Krampus belongs to the
Pre-Christian Alpine traditions.
*
Incubus is a demon in male form in folklore that seeks to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women. In medieval Europe, union with an incubus was supposed by some to result in the birth of witches, demons, and deformed human offspring. Parallels exist in many cultures. Walter Stephens alleges in "Demon Lovers", some traditions hold that repeated sexual activity with an incubus or succubus may result in the deterioration of health, an impaired mental state, or even death.
*
Succubus is a demon or
supernatural
Supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin (above, beyond, or outside of) + (nature) Though the corollary term "nature", has had multiple meanings si ...
entity in
folklore
Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as tales, legends, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, rangin ...
, in female form, that appears in dreams to
seduce men, usually through
sexual activity
Human sexual activity, human sexual practice or human sexual behaviour is the manner in which human
Humans (''Homo sapiens'') are the most abundant and widespread species of primate, characterized by bipedalism and exceptional co ...
. According to
religious traditions, repeated sexual activity with a succubus can cause poor physical or mental health, even death. In modern representations, a succubus is often depicted as a beautiful seductress or
enchantress, rather than as demonic or frightening.
Animal creatures

*
Badalisc is a
mythical creature of the
Val Camonica, in the
southern central Alps.
* Thyrus, the dragon of
Terni
Terni ( , ; lat, Interamna (Nahars)) is a city in the southern portion of the region of Umbria in central Italy. It is near the border with Lazio
it, Laziale
, population_note =
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, is one of the most famous dragons of Italian folklore, a river dragon that besieged Terni in the Middle Ages. One day, a young and brave knight of the noble House of Cittadini, tired of witnessing the death of his fellow citizens and the depopulation of Terni, faced the dragon and killed it. From that day, the town assumed the creature in its coat of arms, accompanied by a Latin inscription: "''Thyrus et amnis dederunt signa Teramnis''" ("Thyrus and the river gave their insignia to Terni"), that stands under the banner of the town of Terni, honoring this legend.
* The Ferocious Beast, an enormous animal similar to a wolf. It ate pets and children and terrorized
Milan
Milan ( , , Lombard: ; it, Milano ) is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
...
during the 1790s and the Milanese organized a hunt against it. After months they killed the Ferocious Beast and displayed its body at the
University of Pavia; but it is no longer there and has been missing for decades. Informal sources claim it was stolen, destroyed during World War II, or removed specifically by German actions during that war.
* The
Caladrius, according to
Roman mythology
Roman mythology is the body of myths of ancient Rome
In modern historiography, ancient Rome refers to Roman civilisation from the founding of the city of Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, ...
, is a snow-white bird that lives in the king's house.
* The ''Tarantasio'' is the name of a legendary dragon that terrorized the inhabitants of the ancient
Gerundo Lake (now dried up), in the area of
Lodi, in
Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 =
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, ...
. This mythological animal was believed to devour children, destroy boats, and with its pestilential breath, soak up the air and cause a strange disease called yellow fever.
[L. Veronelli, ''Lombardia'', Garzanti, Milano, 1968, p. 171]
* The
Catoblepas is a legendary creature described by
Pliny the Elder
Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23/2479), called Pliny the Elder (), was a Roman author, naturalist and natural philosopher, and naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ( la, Imperium Romanum ; grc-gre, Βασ ...
and
Claudius Aelianus
Claudius Aelianus ( grc, Κλαύδιος Αἰλιανός, Greek transliteration ''Kláudios Ailianós''; c. 175c. 235 AD), commonly Aelian (), born at Praeneste, was a Roman author and teacher of rhetoric
Rhetoric () is the art of per ...
. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology he was an "African quadruped, depicted with his heavy head always lowered to the ground".
* The
Amphisbaena is a mythical snake with two heads, one at each extremity of the body, and eyes that shine like lamps. The amphesibena as a mythological and legendary creature has been cited by
Lucan,
Pliny the Elder
Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23/2479), called Pliny the Elder (), was a Roman author, naturalist and natural philosopher, and naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ( la, Imperium Romanum ; grc-gre, Βασ ...
, and
Dante Alighieri
Dante Alighieri (; – 14 September 1321), probably baptized Durante di Alighiero degli Alighieri and often referred to as Dante (, ), was an Italian poet
A poet is a person who studies and creates poetry
Poetry (derived from ...
.
* The
Erchitu is a
legendary creature
A legendary creature (also mythical or mythological creature) is a type of fictional entity, typically a hybrid, that has not been proven and that is described in folklore
Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses ...
of
Sardinian tradition. According to the ancient
legend
A legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative
A narrative, story, or tale is any account of a series of related events or experiences, whether nonfictional ( memoir, biography
A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed ...
s of
Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
, a man who committed a serious fault would turn on
full moon
The full moon is the lunar phase when the Moon appears fully illuminated from Earth's perspective. This occurs when Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon (when the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun and Moon differ by 180°). This me ...
nights into a white
ox with two large horns.
* The ''Marroca'' is a mythical animal which, according to peasant belief, lives essentially in the wetlands of the countryside of the
Valdichiana,
Siena
Siena ( , ; lat, Sena Iulia) is a city
A city is a human settlement of notable size.Goodall, B. (1987) ''The Penguin Dictionary of Human Geography''. London: Penguin.Kuper, A. and Kuper, J., eds (1996) ''The Social Science Encyclopedi ...
,
Arezzo
Arezzo ( , , ) , also ; ett, 𐌀𐌓𐌉𐌕𐌉𐌌, Aritim. is a city and ''comune
The (; plural: ) is a local administrative division of Italy, roughly equivalent to a township or municipality. It is the third-level administrat ...
, and
Umbria
it, Umbro (man) it, Umbra (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 =
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 =
, demographics1_info1 =
, ...
.
* The ''Ozena'' is a legendary octopus described by Pliny the Elder and its name means "stinking octopus" due to its unpleasant smell. Most of the ozenas were small in size and remained at the bottom of the sea. In rare cases, some larger species attacked and ate humans.
* The ''Badalischio'', it is said that this monster was born in the Gorga Nera, a small lake near the source of the Borbotto (
Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park,
Tuscany
it, Toscano (man) it, Toscana (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 = Citizenship
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 = Italian
, demogra ...
). According to legend, he is endowed with a deadly poison.
* The ''Caddos birdes'' were fantastic creatures of Sardininian folklore, which appeared in the form of small horses with green skins very rare and very difficult to spot.
* The ''Serpente regolo'' or ''Regulus'' is a fantastic animal of the
Tuscan,
Umbria
it, Umbro (man) it, Umbra (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 =
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 =
, demographics1_info1 =
, ...
n,
Abruzzese and
Sabine
The Sabines (; lat, Sabini; it, Sabini, all exonym
An endonym (from Greek: , 'inner' + , 'name'; also known as autonym) is a common, ''native'' name for a geographical place, group of people, individual person, language
Language ...
traditions. It would be a large snake with a head "as big as that of a child", which lives in the scrublands, fields and ravines of the mountains.
* The ''Biddrina'' is a large aquatic snake which, according to legend, lives in the wetlands of the countryside of the
province of Caltanissetta
The Province of Caltanissetta ( it, provincia di Caltanissetta; scn, pruvincia di Nissa or ; officially ''Libero consorzio comunale di Caltanissetta'') is a province in the southern part of Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of isla ...
.
* The
Jaculus is a small mythical
serpent or
dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore
Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as ...
. It can be shown with wings and sometimes has front legs. It is also sometimes known as the javelin snake. It was said that the jaculus hid in the trees and sprang out at its victims. The force of it launching itself at the victim led to the association with javelins.
Pliny described it as follows: "The jaculus darts from the branches of trees; and it is not only to our feet that the serpent is formidable, for these fly through the air even, just as though they were hurled from an engine."
Lucan also describes the attack of the jaculus in the ''
Pharsalia''.
* In the folklore of
Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 =
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 =
, ...
, more precisely of the provinces of
Bergamo
Bergamo (; lmo, Bèrghem ; from the proto- Germanic elements *''berg +*heim'', the "mountain home") is a city in the alpine Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blan ...
and
Cremona
Cremona (, also ; ; lmo, label= Cremunés, Cremùna; egl, Carmona) is a city and ''comune
The (; plural: ) is a local administrative division of Italy, roughly equivalent to a township or municipality. It is the third-level administ ...
, the ''Gata Carogna'' is a monstrous animal which would infest the dark alleys of the cities. She looks like a large red cat, with shaggy fur and an angry look, who would attack children to steal their souls.
* The ''Gatto mammone'' is a fictional monster of popular Italian folklore, in the form of a huge terrifying-looking cat.
Such a cat would have been dedicated to frightening the grazing herds and would have had demonic movements and expressions. His cry would be a cross between a roar and a meow. The monster would be so stealthy as to attack unsuspecting victims and tear them to pieces without leaving even the bones.
* The ''Gigiàtt'' is, in Lombard folklore traditions, a deer of enormous proportions that feeds on hikers and travelers.
* The ''Scultone'', in Sardinian popular belief, was a dragon-like creature that killed men and animals near
Baunei.
* The ''Bisso Galeto'' is a legendary creature of the
Veronese valleys. It has the body and head of a rooster, with a large red crest, wings full of spines and a snake's tail. Its normal size is quite small, making it similar to a small snake, but the Bisso Galeto can increase and decrease the length of its body at its will.
* The
Tatzelwurm is a legendary creature of the
Alps
The Alps () ; german: Alpen ; it, Alpi ; rm, Alps ; sl, Alpe . are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately across seven Alpine countries (from west to east): France, Swi ...
, described as a lizard with only four or two short legs and a stubby tail.
Magic items
* The ''Scrixoxiu'', in
Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
n traditions, is a casket belonging to a spirit of a deceased family member.
* The ''Libro del comando'' is the name by which the black magic texts containing the description of the methods to know and distinguish benign and evil spirits were indicated, as well as the magic formulas to invoke their intervention, in order to obtain their help for means of "responses and revelations", the circulation of which was fought by authority.
* The ''Libro del Cinquecento'' or ''Libru do cincucentu'' is a legendary book that would be kept in
Ficarra,
Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy, regions of Italy. The Strait of Messina divides it from the region of Calabria in Southern Italy. I ...
. Legend has it that it was a magic book that contained formulas that made it possible to overcome all problems.
Other tales

* An
egg of Columbus refers to a brilliant idea or discovery that seems simple or easy after the fact. The expression refers to an
apocryphal story, dating from at least the 16th century, in which it is said that
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
* lij, Cristoffa C(or)ombo
* es, link=no, Cristóbal Colón
* pt, Cristóvão Colombo
* ca, Cristòfor (or )
* la, Christophorus Columbus. (; born between 25 August and 31 October 1451, died 20 May 1506) was a ...
, having been told that finding a new trade route was inevitable and no great accomplishment, challenges his critics to make an
egg stand on its tip. After his challengers give up, Columbus does it himself by tapping the egg on the table to flatten its tip. The story is often alluded to when discussing
creativity
Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible (such as an idea, a scientific theory
A scientific theory is an explanation of an aspect of the natural world and universe that has ...
. The term has also been used as the trade name of
a tangram puzzle and
several mechanical puzzles. It also shows that anything can be done by anyone with the right set of skills; however, not everyone knows how to do it.
*
Cola Pesce, also known as ''Pesce Cola'' (i.e., Nicholas Fish) is an Italian folktale about a
merman, mentioned in literature as early as the 12th century. Many variants and retellings have been recorded. The first known literary mention was by a 12th-century poet, Raimon Jordon of Provencal, who referred to a "Nichola de Bar" (Nicholas of Bari) who lived with the fishes.
* The ''
Scrofa semilanuta'' is an ancient emblem of the city of
Milan
Milan ( , , Lombard: ; it, Milano ) is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
...
,
Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, s ...
, dating back at least to the
Middle Ages
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire ...
— and, according to a local legend, to the very foundation of Milan. Several ancient sources (including
Sidonius Apollinaris,
Datius, and, more recently,
Andrea Alciato)
[Claudio Beretta, ''Letteratura dialettale milanese'', Ulrico Hoepli, pp. 21-26; se]
/ref> have argued that the scrofa semilanuta is connected to the etymology of the ancient name of Milan, '' Mediolanum'', and this is still occasionally mentioned in modern sources, although this interpretation has long been dismissed by scholars.
* According to Italian tradition, the Days of the Blackbird are the last three days of January. Also according to tradition they would be the three coldest days of the year. According to tradition, the explanation of the phrase derives from a legend according to which, to shelter from the great cold, a blackbird and its chicks, originally white, took refuge inside a chimney, from which they emerged on February 1st, all black because of the soot . From that day on, all the blackbirds were black.
* According to a popular Italian tradition, the Days of the Old Woman (or Lent Days) are the last three days of March, ie March 29, 30 and 31, in which it is believed that the cold of the recently finished winter often returns. : are considered the coldest days of spring. The Days of the Old Woman owe their name to an ancient popular legend: once, when March was only 28 days old, an old woman, now anticipating the warmth of spring, said: "March, now you can no longer harm me, because today it is already April and the Sun is already up! "; so it was that March, offended, asked for three more days in April and used it to bring the winter cold back to earth and make the old woman sick.
* The Rape of the Sabine Women, also known as the "Abduction of the Sabine Women" or the "Kidnapping of the Sabine Women", was an incident in Roman mythology
Roman mythology is the body of myths of ancient Rome
In modern historiography, ancient Rome refers to Roman civilisation from the founding of the city of Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, ...
in which the men of Rome committed a mass abduction of young women from the other cities in the region. It has been a frequent subject of painters and sculptors, particularly during the Renaissance
The Renaissance ( , ) , from , with the same meanings. is a period in European history marking the transition from the Middle Ages
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late ...
and post-Renaissance eras. The word "rape" (cognate with "rapto" in Portuguese and other Romance languages, meaning "kidnap") is the conventional translation of the Latin
Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through ...
word used in the ancient accounts of the incident. Modern scholars tend to interpret the word as "abduction" or "kidnapping" as opposed to a sexual assault.
* Madonna Oriente is an Italian mythical figure, often mentioned in the trials held in cases of witch-hunt
A witch-hunt, or a witch purge, is a search for people who have been labeled witches or a search for evidence of witchcraft. The classical period of witch-hunts in Early Modern Europe and Colonial America took place in the Early Modern pe ...
. Connected to pagan cults, it has been placed side by side with the figures of Diana, Herodias, Perchta. It could manifest itself in various forms, usually as a ghost or as a huntress, while at times it appeared as a beautiful girl who lived in the woods, dressed only in hair, with a look capable of bewitching people.
* The Tomb of Lars Porsena is a legendary ancient building in what is now central Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, s ...
, tomb of the Etruscan king Lars Porsena. Allegedly built around 500 BCE at Clusium (modern Chiusi, in south-eastern Tuscany
it, Toscano (man) it, Toscana (woman)
, population_note =
, population_blank1_title =
, population_blank1 =
, demographics_type1 = Citizenship
, demographics1_footnotes =
, demographics1_title1 = Italian
, demogra ...
), and was described as follows by the Roman writer Marcus Varro (116–27 BCE). In the 18th century Angelo Cortenovis proposed that the tomb of Lars Porsena was a machine for conducting lightning.
* Dina and Clarenza are two women connected in legend with the historical siege of Messina
Messina (, also , ) is a harbour city and the capital of the Italian Metropolitan City of Messina. It is the third largest city on the island of Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island i ...
by Charles I of Anjou
Charles I (early 1226/12277 January 1285), commonly called Charles of Anjou, was a member of the royal Capetian dynasty and the founder of the second House of Anjou. He was Count of Provence (1246–85) and Forcalquier (1246–48, 1256–85 ...
during the Sicilian Vespers in August 1282. Dina and Clarenza, two Messinese women, were heroines who, in legend, opposed the assaults of the Angevin forces. The two women were standing guard on the wall. As soon as they saw the enemies, they did all they could to repel the attack. While Dina continually hurled rocks down on the enemy soldiers, Clarenza rang the bells in the campanile of the Duomo, from which she awakened the whole city. Thus the Messinese rushed to the defense of their city and repelled the attack.
* Heliodorus of Catania is a semi-legendary personage accused by his contemporaries of being a necromancer practicing witchcraft
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In medieval
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to ...
.
* Pietro Bailardo or Pietro Baialardo is a legendary character accused by his contemporaries of being a magician and necromancer in direct relationship with the devil.
* Maria Puteolana is a semi-legendary figure in the history of Pozzuoli. The only reference to this figure is provided by Francesco Petrarca who in 1341 with Robert, King of Naples, would have visited Pozzuoli in order to meet the "very famous virago Maria, later called Maria Puteolana"..
* ''Pacciûgo'' and ''Pacciûga'' are two figures remembered in two statues to which one of the oldest legends with a religious background in Genoa
Genoa ( ; it, Genova ; lij, Zêna ). is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria
Liguria (; lij, Ligûria ; french: Ligurie) is a Regions of Italy, region of north-western Italy; its Capital city, capital is Genoa. Its territory is cro ...
is linked.
* The Legend of San Pietro al Monte or the Legend of the White Boar of Civate wants to explain the foundation of the church of the same name as an act of devotion of the Lombard King Desiderius.
* ''Gammazita'' is a young girl, the protagonist of a Catania
Catania (, , Sicilian and ) is the second largest municipality in Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy, regions of Italy. ...
legend linked to the history of the Angevins of Sicily. Its name was also given to a site in the historic center of the Sicilian city, a natural cavity called the well of Gammazita.
* The beast of Cusago was a she-wolf who sowed panic during the summer of 1792 in the Cusago wood in the Duchy of Milan. The animal, as it also happened in that period in similar cases in Lombardy, but also elsewhere, had become anthropophagous and killed and devoured several victims, always boys and girls.
Folk heroes
* Ducetius – He was a Hellenized leader of the Sicels and founder of a united Sicilian state and numerous cities.[Livius]
Ducetius of Sicily
Retrieved on 25 April 2006. It is thought he may have been born around the town of Mineo. His story is told through the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus
Diodorus Siculus, or Diodorus of Sicily ( grc-gre, Διόδωρος ; 1st century BC), was an ancient Greek
Ancient Greek includes the forms of the Greek language used in ancient Greece and the ancient world
Ancient h ...
in the 1st century BCE, who drew on the work of Timaeus. He was a native Sicilian, but his education was Greek and was very much influenced by Greek civilization in Sicily.
* Hermocrates – He was an ancient Syracusan general during the Athenians' Sicilian Expedition in the midst of the Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC) was an ancient Greek
Ancient Greek includes the forms of the Greek language used in ancient Greece and the ancient world
Ancient history is a time period from the beginning of writ ...
. He is also remembered as a character in the '' Timaeus'' and ''Critias
Critias (; grc-gre, Κριτίας, ''Kritias''; c. 460 – 403 BC) was an ancient Athenian political figure and author. Born in Athens, Critias was the son of Callaeschrus and a first cousin of Plato
Plato ( ; grc-gre, Πλάτω ...
'' dialogues of Plato
Plato ( ; grc-gre, Πλάτων ; 428/427 or 424/423 – 348/347 BC) was a Greek philosopher born in Athens during the Classical period in Ancient Greece. He founded the Platonist school of thought and the Academy, the first instit ...
. The first historical reference to Hermocrates comes from Thucydides
Thucydides (; grc, , }; BC) was an Athenian
Athens ( ; el, Αθήνα, Athína ; grc, Ἀθῆναι, Athênai (pl.) ) is both the capital and largest city of Greece. With a population close to four million, it is also the seventh la ...
, where he appears at the congress of Gela in 424 BC giving a speech demanding the Sicilian Greeks stop their quarrelling and unite against the Athenians, who had been attacking the Sicilian cities for supporting Corinth
Corinth ( ; el, Κόρινθος, Kórinthos, ) is the successor to an ancient city, and is a former municipality
A municipality is usually a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or juris ...
.
* Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman people, Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in Caes ...
– He was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate
The First Triumvirate was an informal political alliance among three prominent politicians in the late Roman Republic
The Roman Republic ( la, Res publica Romana ) was a form of government of Rome and the era of the classical Roman civi ...
, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars
The Gallic Wars were waged between 58 and 50 BC by the Roman general Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman people, Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Ca ...
before defeating his political rival Pompey
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (; 29 September 106 BC – 28 September 48 BC), known in English as Pompey or Pompey the Great, was a leading Roman general and statesman. He played a significant role in the transformation of ...
in a civil war, and subsequently became dictator from 49 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic ( la, Res publica Romana ) was a form of government of Rome and the era of the classical Roman civilization when it was run through public representation of the Roman people. Beginning with the overthrow of the Roman K ...
and the rise of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ( la, Imperium Romanum ; grc-gre, Βασιλεία τῶν Ῥωμαίων, Basileía tôn Rhōmaíōn) was the post-Roman Republic, Republican period of ancient Rome. As a polity, it included large territorial holdings aro ...
. After assuming control of government, Caesar began a program of social and governmental reforms, including the creation of the Julian calendar
The Julian calendar, proposed by Roman consul Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman people, Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in t ...
. He gave citizenship
Citizenship is a "relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection".
Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and ...
to many residents of far regions of the Roman Republic. He initiated land reform and support for veterans.
* Scipio Africanus
Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus (, , ; 236/235–183 BC) was a Roman general and statesman, most notable as one of the main architects of Rome's victory against Carthage
Carthage was the capital city of Ancient Carthage, on the eastern s ...
– He was a Roman general and statesman, most notable as one of the main architects of Rome's victory against Carthage
Carthage was the capital city of Ancient Carthage, on the eastern side of the Lake of Tunis in what is now Tunisia. Carthage was one of the most important trading hubs of the Ancient Mediterranean and one of the most affluent cities of the cl ...
in the Second Punic War
The Second Punic War (218 to 201 BC) was the second of three wars fought between Carthage
Carthage was the capital city of Ancient Carthage, on the eastern side of the Lake of Tunis in what is now Tunisia. Carthage was one of the most i ...
. Often regarded as one of the best military commanders and strategists of all time, his greatest military achievement was the defeat of Hannibal at the Battle of Zama
The Battle of Zama was fought in 202 BC near Zama, now in Tunisia, and marked the end of the Second Punic War
The Second Punic War (218 to 201 BC) was the second of three wars fought between Carthage
Carthage was the capital cit ...
in 202 BC. This victory in Africa earned him the epithet ''Africanus'', literally meaning "the African," but meant to be understood as a conqueror of Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia
Asia (, ) is one of the world's most notable geographical regions, which is either considered a continent in its own right or a subcontinent of ...
. Scipio Africanus is mentioned in '' Il Canto degli Italiani'', the national anthem of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, s ...
since 1946.
* Marco Polo
Marco Polo (, , ; 8 January 1324) was a Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in '' The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known as ''Book of the Ma ...
– He was a Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road
The Silk Road () was a network of Eurasia
Eurasia (, ) is the largest continent
A continent is any of several large landmass
A landmass, or land mass, is a large region or area of land. The term is often used to refer to ...
between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in '' The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known as ''Book of the Marvels of the World '' and ''Il Milione'', c. 1300), a book that described to Europeans the then mysterious culture and inner workings of the Eastern world, including the wealth and great size of the Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire of the 13th and 14th centuries was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in present-day Mongolia
Mongolia; Mongolian script: , , ; lit. "Mongol Nation" or "State of Mongolia" () is a landloc ...
and China in the Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan dynasty (), officially the Great Yuan (; xng, , , literally "Great Yuan State"), was a Mongol-led imperial dynasty of China and a successor state to the Mongol Empire after its division. It was established by Kublai, the fi ...
, giving their first comprehensive look into China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India
India, officially the Republic of India ...
, Persia
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also called Persia, is a country located in Western Asia. It is bordered by Iraq and Turkey to the west, by Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest, by the Caspian Sea and T ...
, India
India, officially the Republic of India ( Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on th ...
, Japan
Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the n ...
and other Asian cities and countries. Marco was appointed to serve as Khan's foreign emissary, and he was sent on many diplomatic missions throughout the empire and Southeast Asia, such as in present-day Burma
Myanmar, ; UK pronunciations: US pronunciations incl. . Note: Wikipedia's IPA conventions require indicating /r/ even in British English although only some British English speakers pronounce r at the end of syllables. As John Wells explai ...
, India
India, officially the Republic of India ( Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on th ...
, Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Gu ...
, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (, ; si, ශ්රී ලංකා, Śrī Laṅkā, translit-std=ISO (); ta, இலங்கை, Ilaṅkai, translit-std=ISO ()), formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an ...
and Vietnam
Vietnam or Viet Nam ( vi, Việt Nam, ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,., group="n" is a country in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, also spelled South East Asia and South-East Asia, and also known as Southeastern Asia, S ...
. As part of this appointment, Marco also travelled extensively inside China, living in the emperor's lands for 17 years and seeing many things that had previously been unknown to Europeans.
* Eleanor of Arborea – She was one of the most powerful and important, and one of the last, judges of the Judgedom of Arborea in Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
, and Sardinia's most famous heroine. She is also known for updating of the Carta de Logu, promulgated by her father Marianus IV and revisited by her brother Hugh III.
* Roger I of Sicily – He was a Norman nobleman who became the first Count of Sicily from 1071 to 1101. He was a member of the House of Hauteville, and his descendants in the male line continued to rule Sicily down to 1194. Roger was born in Normandy
Normandy (; french: link=no, Normandie ; nrf, Normaundie, Nouormandie ; from Old French
Old French (, , ; Modern French: ) was the language spoken in most of the northern half of France from approximately the 8th to the 14th centuries. Ra ...
, and came to southern Italy as a young man in 1057. He participated in several military expeditions against the Emirate of Sicily beginning in 1061. He was invested with part of Sicily and the title of count by his brother, Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia, in 1071. By 1090, he had conquered the entire island. In 1091, he conquered Malta
Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin
...
. The state he created was merged with the Duchy of Apulia in 1127 and became the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130..
* Giuseppe Garibaldi – He was an Italian general, patriot, revolutionary and republican. He contributed to Italian unification
The unification of Italy ( it, Unità d'Italia ), also known as the ''Risorgimento'' (, ; ), was the 19th-century political and social movement that resulted in the consolidation of different states of the Italian Peninsula into a singl ...
and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. He is considered one of the greatest generals of modern times and one of Italy's " fathers of the fatherland", along with Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, Victor Emmanuel II of Italy and Giuseppe Mazzini. Garibaldi is also known as the "''Hero of the Two Worlds''" because of his military enterprises in South America and Europe. Garibaldi became an international figurehead for national independence and republican ideals, and is considered by the twentieth-century historiography and popular culture as Italy's greatest national hero. He was showered with admiration and praise by many intellectuals and political figures, including Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln ( ; February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation thro ...
,[Mack Smith, ed., Denis (1969). ''Garibaldi'' (Great Lives Observed). Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs. pp. 69–70. .] William Brown,["Frasi di William Brown (ammiraglio)"](_blank)
''LeCitazioni''. Retrieved 2 September 2020. "È il più generoso dei pirati che abbia mai incontrato." Francesco de Sanctis, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Malwida von Meysenbug, George Sand, Charles Dickens
Charles John Huffam Dickens (; 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian e ...
, Friedrich Engels
Friedrich Engels ( ,["Engels"](_blank)
'' Che Guevara.[Di Mino, Massimiliano; Di Mino, Pier Paolo (2011). ''Il libretto rosso di Garibaldi''. Rome: Castelvecchi Editore. p. 7. .] Historian A. J. P. Taylor called him "the only wholly admirable figure in modern history". In the popular telling of his story, he is associated with the red shirts that his volunteers, the ''Garibaldini'', wore in lieu of a uniform.
* Cesare Battisti – He was an Italian patriot, geographer
A geographer is a physical scientist, social scientist or humanist whose area of study is geography
Geography (from Greek: , ''geographia''. Combination of Greek words ‘Geo’ (The Earth) and ‘Graphien’ (to describe), literal ...
, socialist
Socialism is a left-wing economic philosophy and movement encompassing a range of economic systems characterized by the dominance of social ownership of the means of production as opposed to private ownership. As a term, it describes t ...
politician and journalist of Austrian citizenship, who became a prominent Italian irredentist at the start of World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe
Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in ...
. He was born the son of a merchant at Trento
Trento ( or ; Ladin and lmo, Trent; german: Trient ; cim, Tria; , ), also anglicized as Trent, is a city on the Adige River in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
it, Trentino (man) it, Trentina (woman) or it, Altoatesino (man) it, Altoatesi ...
, a city with a predominantly Italian-speaking population, which at the time was part of the Cisleithanian crown land of Tyrol in Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary, often referred to as the Austro-Hungarian Empire,, the Dual Monarchy, or Austria, was a constitutional monarchy and great power in Central Europe between 1867 and 1918. It was formed with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise ...
. With Italy's entry into World War I following the 1915 London Pact, though an Austrian citizen, Battisti fought against the Austro-Hungarian Army in the Alpini Corps at the Italian Front. After the Battle of Asiago, he and his 2nd Lt Fabio Filzi were captured by the Austrian forces on 10 July 1916 and faced a court-martial in his hometown Trento at the Castello del Buonconsiglio, charged with high treason
Treason is the crime of attacking a state authority to which one owes allegiance. This typically includes acts such as participating in a war against one's native country, attempting to overthrow its government, spying on its military, its diplo ...
. Though Battisti officially enjoyed parliamentary immunity, he was sentenced to death by strangulation.
* Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino – Judges and prosecuting magistrates. From their office in the Palace of Justice in Palermo
Palermo ( , ; scn, Palermu , locally also or ) is a city in southern Italy
Southern Italy ( it, Sud Italia or ) also known as ''Meridione'' or ''Mezzogiorno'' (), is a macroregion of the Italian Republic
Italy ( it, Italia ), of ...
, Sicily
Sicily ( it, Sicilia , ) is the list of islands in the Mediterranean, largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy, regions of Italy. The Strait of Messina divides it from the region of Calabria in Southern Italy. I ...
, they spent most of his professional life trying to overthrow the power of the Sicilian Mafia
The Sicilian Mafia, also simply known as the Mafia and frequently referred to as Cosa nostra (, ; "our thing") by its members, is an Italian Mafia- terrorist-type organized crime syndicate and criminal society originating in the region of Sici ...
. After a long and distinguished careers, culminating in the Maxi Trial in 1986–1987, Falcone was assassinated by the Corleonesi Mafia in the Capaci bombing, while Borsellino was killed by a car bomb in Via D'Amelio. They were named as heroes of the last 60 years in the 13 November 2006 issue of '' Time Magazine''. In recognition of their tireless effort and sacrifice during the anti-mafia trials, they were both awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valor and were acknowledged as martyrs of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
.
Folk dance
Italian folk dance has been an integral part of Italian culture for centuries. Dance has been a continuous thread in Italian life from Dante through the Renaissance
The Renaissance ( , ) , from , with the same meanings. is a period in European history marking the transition from the Middle Ages
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late ...
, the advent of the '' tarantella'' in Southern Italy
Southern Italy ( it, Sud Italia or ) also known as ''Meridione'' or ''Mezzogiorno'' (), is a macroregion of the Italian Republic
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern ...
, and the modern revivals of folk music
Folk music is a music genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has ...
and dance. One of the earliest attempts to systematically collect folk dances is Gaspare Ungarelli's 1894 work ''Le vecchie danze italiane ancora in uso nella provincia bolognese'' ("Old Italian dances still in use in the province of Bologna") which gives brief descriptions and music for some 30 dances.
In 1925, Benito Mussolini
Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (; 29 July 188328 April 1945) was an Italian politician and journalist
A journalist is an individual that collects/gathers information in form of text, audio, or pictures, processes them into a news-worthy ...
's government set up the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro (OND) or National Recreational Club as a means of promoting sports and cultural activities and one of its accomplishments was a wide survey of folk music and dance in Italy at that time. The work was published in 1931 as ''Costumi, musica, danze e feste popolari italiane'' ("Italian popular customs, music, dance and festivals"). In September 1945 OND was replaced by a new organization, the ''Ente Nazionale Assistenza Lavoratori'' (ENAL), headquartered in Rome. In partnership with the International Folk Music Council, ENAL sponsored a Congress and Festival in Venice September 7–11, 1949 which included many of the outstanding researchers in Italian folklore as well as folk dance and music groups from various Italian regions.
ENAL was dissolved in late 1978 but earlier in October 1970, the Italian folklore groups who had been members of ENAL set up a separate organization, which in 1978 became the ''Federazione Italiana Tradizioni Populari'' (FITP). The FITP publishes a newsletter and a scholarly publication ''Il Folklore D'Italia''. An interest in preserving and fostering folk art, music and dance among Italian Americans and the dedication and leadership of Elba Farabegoli Gurzau led to the formation of the Italian Folk Art Federation of America (IFAFA) in May 1979. The group sponsors an annual conference and has published a newsletter, ''Tradizioni'', since 1980.
Folk music
Italian folk music has a deep and complex history. National unification came quite late to the Italian peninsula, so its many hundreds of separate cultures remained un-homogenized until quite recently. Moreover, Italian folk music reflects Italy's geographic position at the south of Europe
Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a Continent#Subcontinents, subcontinent of Eurasia ...
and in the center of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin
In biogeography, the Mediterranean Basin (; also known as the Mediterranean Region or sometimes Mediterranea) is the region of lands ...
: Celtic, Slavic, Arabic
Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in collaboration with Geoffrey Khan, Michael P. Streck, Janet C. E.Watson; Walte ...
, Greek, Spanish and Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ( la, Imperium Romanum ; grc-gre, Βασιλεία τῶν Ῥωμαίων, Basileía tôn R ...
influences are readily apparent in the musical styles of the Italian regions. Italy's rough geography and the historic dominance of small city states has allowed quite diverse musical styles to coexist in close proximity.
The Celtic and Slavic influences on the group and open-voice choral works of the Northern Italy contrast with the Greek, Byzantine, and Arabic influenced strident monody of the Southern Italy
Southern Italy ( it, Sud Italia or ) also known as ''Meridione'' or ''Mezzogiorno'' (), is a macroregion of the Italian Republic
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern ...
. In the Central Italy
Central Italy ( it, Italia centrale or just ) is one of the five official statistical regions of Italy
Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in t ...
these influences combine, while indigenous traditions like narrative and ballad singing remain. The music of the island of Sardinia
Sardinia ( ; it, Sardegna, label= Italian, Corsican and Tabarchino ; sc, Sardigna , sdc, Sardhigna; french: Sardaigne; sdn, Saldigna; ca, Sardenya, label= Algherese and Catalan) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
...
is distinct from that of the rest of Italy, and is best known for the polyphonic chanting of the tenores.
The modern understanding of Italian folk music has its roots in the growth of ethnomusicology
Ethnomusicology is the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it. It encompasses distinct theoretical and methodical approaches that emphasize cultural, social, material, cognitive, biological, and other dim ...
in the 1940s and 1950s and in the resurgence of regionalism in Italy at the time. The Centro Nazionale di Studi di Musica Popolare (CNSMP), now part of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, was started in 1948 to study and archive the various musical styles throughout Italy. The Italian folk revival was accelerating by 1966, when the Istituto Ernesto de Martino was founded by Gianni Bosio in Milan
Milan ( , , Lombard: ; it, Milano ) is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy
(man), (woman) lmo, lumbard, links=no (man), (woman)
, population_note =
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to document Italian oral culture and traditional music. Today, Italy's folk music is often divided into several spheres of geographic influence, a classification system proposed by Alan Lomax in 1956 and often repeated since.[ Lomax, Alan (1956). "Folk Song Style: Notes on a Systematic Approach to the Study of Folk Song." ''Journal of the International Folk Music Council'', VIII, pp. 48–50.]
See also
* Italian folk dance
* Italian folk music
* Traditions of Italy
References
Further reading
* Aprile, R. ''Indice delle fiabe popolari italiane di magia''. vol. I. Firenze: Olschki, 2000.
* Calvino, I. '' Fiabe italiane''. Volumes I and II. Torino: Einaudi, 1971.
* D'Aronco, G. ''Indice delle fiabe toscane''. Firenze: Olschki, 1953.
* Del Monte Tammaro, C. ''Indice delle fiabe abruzzesi''. Firenze: Olschki, 1971.
* Lo Nigro, S. ''Racconti popolari siciliani: classificazione e bibliografia''. Firenze: Olschki, 1957.
* Orioli, S. ''Repertorio della narrativa popolare romagnola''. Firenze: Olschki, 1984.
External links
Italian Folklore/Legends of Italy
Italian Folk Tales
(en)
{{Europe topic, Folklore of