Rákóczi, Ferenc
Rákóczi, Ferenc (1675–1735) In Hungarian legend, prince who led a revolt against Austrian oppression. According to some tales, he did not die but is resting,…
Category: Hungarian Mythology
Kossuth, Lajos
Kossuth, Lajos (1802–1894) In Hungarian legend, freedom fighter in the war of independence. He was the minister of finance in the first independent national government…
Istvan
Istvan In this Hungarian folktale, reminiscent of the Russian story of Ivan the Dragon Killer, two brothers must slay two seven-headed dragons. The older brother,…
Garboncias
Garboncias In Hungarian folklore, a supernatural being, born with all of his teeth or with extra fingers. The being exercises magical powers when in a…
Coachman Legends
coachman legends In Hungarian folklore, a series of tales around the figure of a coachman endowed with supernatural knowledge and powers. Often the coachman is…
Mátyás
Mátyás (1440–1490) In Hungarian legend, a king noted for his just rule. He became popular among the peasants during his lifetime for his humane measures…
Ildiko
Ildiko, goddess of love, hunting, fertility, and death, bestows life and takes it. Ildiko controls gateways between realms: she may be petitioned for fertility as…
Ördög
Ördög ORIGIN: Hungary According to Pagan Hungarian cosmology, the world is divided into three levels connected by a magical world tree. • Sky spirits live…
Tündér
Tündér ORIGIN: Hungary Tündér are charming, beautiful, and benevolent Fairies. Their name seems to be related to words meaning “appearing” and “disappearing.” Tündér are virtually…
Szélanya
Szélanya The Wind Mother Pronounced: Sail-ah-nya ORIGIN: Hungary Szélanya literally means “Mother of the Winds” or “Wind Mother”. Szélanya is the wind, but she is…