Samodiva

Samodivas or samovilas are woodland fairies in South-Slavic folklore and mythology.

Etymology

The words samodiva and samovila originated from Indo-European roots that mean "divinity", "demon", "rave", "wild", "virgin" and "rage".

Appearance

Samodivas are described as beautiful and heavenly maidens with very long hair and wings. They were clothed with a shirt, a gown, green belt and sleeveless jacket. Their clothes were adorned with feathers that allows them to fly like birds.

Behavior and Characteristics

Samodivas are considered as the mistresses of the water and they possess the power to cause drought. They usually dance with the rhythm of the wind and their own singing during midnight until dawn. According to the myths, the singing and dancing of the samodivas are often witnessed by lost or late travelers. Those who join them will die due to exhaustion at dawn.