| Salamander | |
|---|---|
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Other Names |
Salamander, Samandall, Salamandar |
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First Appearance |
Eurasia/Arabian Myth |
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Created by |
Eurasia/Arabian Myth |
Origin[]
The salamander is an amphibian of the order Urodela which, as with many real creatures, often has been ascribed fantastic and sometimes occult qualities by pre-modern authors (as in the allegorical descriptions of animals in medieval bestiaries) not possessed by the real organism. The legendary salamander is often depicted as a typical salamander in shape, with a lizard-like form, but is usually ascribed an affinity with fire, sometimes specifically elemental fire.
Salamanders have been said to be able to both create and put out flames, and in some cases are borne of fire themselves and are considered Fire Spirits. However, in other stories they are merely fire resistant.
In fairy legend salamanders are credited with having taught the first humans how to make fire. Interestingly, there are versions of their origins stating that they were created in the furnaces of glass blowers who kept their furnaces stoked for several days and nights. They are often described as small lizards, but have also been known to be depicted as small glowing lights, and on rare occasion traditional fairy-like humanoid beings.
Later, Paracelsus (1493–1541) suggested that salamanders were the elementals of fire, which has had substantial influence on the role of salamanders in the occult. Paracelsus, contrary to the prevalent belief at the time, considered salamanders to be not devils, but similar to humans, only lacking a soul (along with giants, dwarves, mermaids, elves, and elemental spirits in human form). The other three elemental spirits named by Paracelsus were Gnomes (earth), Sylphs (air), and Undines (water).
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders, and on the Other Spirits (1566)
Notes[]
- The Pokemon Charmander, originally from Pokemon Red & Green (Blue & Red internationally), was based on the legendary Salamander.
- This race is also called Vulcanus (plural: Vulcani or Vulcanuses) after the Roman deity of fire and craftwork.
- In Slavic mythology, salamanders are known as firebirds.