Ora (mythology)
[2] Within Central Albania it was believed that the Ora were present everywhere, “listening to people’s blessings and curses, which they would then aim to quickly fulfil”.
The mythological cycle of the ‘deeds of Muyi’ reveal the Ora’s ability to provide the hero with supernatural powers and healing while in the form of a serpent.
[2] Albert Doja refers to the studies of Maximilian Lambertz, revealing that the faces of the Oras change depending on the degree of happiness they bestow upon the newborn child.
“Traditionally sung in the far north of Albania”,[14] Albanian oral literature has preserved many archaic elements, revealing traces of Greco-Roman mythology within, including the mythical Ora.
Slavic warrior Paji Harambashi’s encounters three white oras, mystical creatures in the mountains “who revel and frolic” as he searches for Mujo.
He clenched it and squeezed it and crushed it to pieces.”Mujo’s brother Halili sets out to search for the only one he wishes to marry, Tanusha - the daughter of the King in the Realm of the Christians.
[18][19] Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (The Marriage of Halili), translated by Robert Elsie – “I’m on my way to the Realm of the Christians, There to encounter one Vukë Harambashi.” The mountain ora then burst into laughter, The young man himself was perplexed and did wonder What kind of being was standing before him.
Extract from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Mujo and Behuri), translated by Robert Elsie – “ In flight an ora hastened to him … 'Oh look, the sun!'
shout to Behuri, And when he turns his head to see it, Put your hand in his left pocket, There you’ll find a poisoned dagger, And if you skilfully manoeuvre,
[26] Edith Durham reports that the dried head of a snake, cut off with a large silver medjidieh (coin) is a “very good charm” against the Evil Eye.
It would be wrapped with a silver medal of St. George, then blessed by a priest - providing protection against the evil Oras and devils when worn.
A large abandoned ancient city remains within the cavern, with a bazar “stocked with all of the finest and best fruit, flesh, fish, and fair raiment”.
[27] Evil oras disguised as serpents would guard the cavern; for if any man were to touch the items within the ancient city, they would “devour him in the darkness”.
If you cross paths with a snake before sunrise or after sunset it “foretells the death of some of your relations.”[28] Within Albanian folklore, the role of the Ora tends to differ.
The Ora are often described as good mythological figures that offer their protection and help, but in several tales are depicted as negative and dangerous creatures.
Durham reports that supernatural happenings within Albania would act as a caution, with many refusing to travel anywhere near areas believed to be cursed and/or protected by the Ora.
Leaving his saviours, the zanas, behind him.”The Vitore is identified with the Fatia and Mira in Southern Albanian folk beliefs and folklore.
The Vitore is often depicted as a golden horned serpent that would provide protection and bring good luck to the family of the house it resides in.
[32] As discussed by Snorri Sturluson, the Norns were three “maidens whose names are Urðr, Verðandi and Skuld”,[33] meaning past, present, and future.
