Also called Lamnissa, Lamia of the Sea.
The tale
In modern Greek folk tales the lamia has become an ogress: huge, greedy, dirty and foolish, living in a tower or in the wilds, often with a stolen princess or a hidden treasure. Clever heroes and heroines trick her and escape. On the coasts, the Lamia of the Sea was a dangerous spirit who could raise storms and drown swimmers. Her name comes from the ancient child-stealing Lamia.
When they are met
- Met in fairy tales told by the fire
- On lonely shores, where the Lamia of the Sea was said to dance
Staying on their good side
- None are traditional; tidiness and generosity were the old defences in the sayings
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Enjoy the tales as stories of cleverness beating greed.
- Notice the old sayings: a filthy house was called a lamia's house, and a greedy eater was said to eat like a lamia.
What their tales teach
- Understanding Greek fairy tales
- Lessons about greed and neglect
Symbols
- huge appetite
- untidy house
- the seashore
- bronze legs (some tales)
Tales and sayings differ widely between islands and mainland regions.
Sources
- J. C. Lawson, Modern Greek Folklore and Ancient Greek Religion (1910)
- R. M. Dawkins, Modern Greek Folktales (1953)
- Charles Stewart, Demons and the Devil (1991)
More Greek folklore
- The Nymphs The spirits of spring, tree and mountain
- Medusa The Gorgon whose gaze turns flesh to stone
- Circe The enchantress of the island of Aeaea
- The Sirens The singers of the deadly shore
- Satyrs The wild revellers of Dionysus
- Kallikantzaroi The goblins of the Twelve Days
- The Neraides Fairy women of springs and hills
- Vrykolakas The restless dead of Greek villages