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Strigoi
Romanian vampires come in two forms: the living strigoi (cursed from birth) and the dead (those who return). They drain life from villages, killing livestock and family members. Special rituals are needed to stop them.
Ancient - Present
Romania
5000+ witnesses
Strigoi are the vampires of Romanian folklore.
The Tradition
According to Romanian folklore:
Strigoi are:
- Romanian undead
- Pre-Christian tradition
- Two types exist
- Feared across Romania
- Origin of vampire myth
Living Strigoi (Strigoi Vii)
These are born:
- With a caul
- With a tail
- Red hair
- Blue eyes
- Seventh child of seventh child
Dead Strigoi (Strigoi Mort)
These become:
- After improper burial
- Suicide victims
- Murder victims
- Those cursed in life
- Those who die unbaptized
Their Powers
Strigoi can:
- Drain life essence
- Kill livestock
- Cause disease
- Become invisible
- Enter homes at will
Prevention
Traditional methods:
- Proper burial rites
- Garlic in mouth
- Nail in forehead
- Heart removal
- Stakes through chest
Detection
Signs of strigoi:
- Animals dying
- Family members sickening
- Graves disturbed
- Corpse not decaying
- Sounds from grave
Modern Romania
Even today:
- Bodies sometimes exhumed
- Hearts burned
- Ashes mixed with water
- Given to sick family members
- Tradition continues