Solomonari

What it is

The Solomonar, known in Romanian as Șolomonar, is a mythical wizard from Romanian folklore. This being is famous for riding a dragon, called a zmeu or balaur, to control the weather. Practitioners of this belief hold that the Solomonar can cause rain, thunder, or destructive hailstorms. The figure is often described as tall with red hair, wearing long white robes or ragged patches. When not flying on their mount, they disguise themselves as blind or crippled beggars to collect alms from peasants.

Where it comes from

The legend appears in Central Romanian districts like Făgăraș and Hermannstadt. It was recorded in the 19th century by writers such as Wilhelm Schmidt and Emily Gerard. Simion Florea Marian collected oral traditions from Transylvania and Bukovina-Moldavia. Scholars have proposed various origins, including a connection to Greek myths of Zeus, the legendary Red Jews, or Dacian ascetics known as ktistai. These theories remain speculative without continuous historical records.

How it is done

Solomonars are recruited from common folk and trained at a secret school called the Solomonărie or Scholomance. Tradition states this school is located underground and taught by the Devil. Students study for seven years, avoiding sunlight. Upon graduation, one pupil becomes the Weather-maker, while others may serve as aides. They use specific tools to command dragons and storms, blending into society as beggars when not performing their magical duties.

Tools and materials

The wizard carries a magic bag containing an iron axe used as a lightning rod or wand, and a book of wisdom. They ride dragons using birchbark reins or a golden bridle. A small version of a Semantron summons winds, which can also be kept in a wooden jar. Some accounts mention a branch that has killed a snake. These items grant the power to summon storms and control the behavior of their dragon mounts.

What it is for

The Solomonar is believed to bring rain for crops or hail to punish unkind peasants. A farmer might hire a counter-Solomonar to divert these storms. The wizard knows exactly which farms deserve retribution based on the owner's character. Begging alms allows them to gather coins, which are then thrown into rivers as offerings to water spirits. The practice serves both agricultural needs and social justice within the folklore.

Who does it

The Solomonar begins as an ordinary person recruited for their potential. They undergo rigorous training at the Devil's underground school, learning the speech of beasts and weather magic. After seven years, they become powerful wizards capable of riding dragons. They often return to village life disguised as beggars, hiding their true identity while maintaining their supernatural abilities and knowledge of local affairs.

Peoples and places

The legend is primarily Romanian, with parallels in Serbo-Croatian folklore as the garabancijaš dijak. In Croatian tradition, the figure is described by scholars like Vatroslav Jagić. Hungarian versions exist as well. The Romanian term varies between Solomonar and Șolomonar. English translations sometimes use solomonars or refer to the German phonetization Scholomonar. The belief spans across the Balkans and Central Europe.

What people believe

The worldview involves a hidden magical layer beneath everyday peasant life. The Solomonar operates under the Devil's authority but can act independently against cruel landowners. Dragons are real mounts in this belief system, capable of flight and storm creation. Water spirits receive offerings from the wizard's alms. The balance of nature is maintained through these magical interventions, linking human morality to weather patterns.

When it is done

The activity occurs during weather events or when hired by farmers. The seven-year schooling period is a fixed timeline for initiation. Storms and hail are the primary occasions for the Solomonar's visible magical work. The disguise as a beggar is constant, regardless of the season.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Anthropologists and historians view the Solomonar as part of Romanian ethnobotany and mythology. Simion Florea Marian documented the oral traditions. Critics like Mihai Coman dismiss Dacian origin theories as speculation. The connection to the Devil's school reflects broader European motifs of forbidden knowledge. Parallels with other necromantic scholar legends suggest a shared cultural heritage across the region.

Compare and confuse

The Solomonar is similar to the Serbo-Croatian garabancijaš dijak, a necromantic scholar. Both figures attend secret schools and possess forbidden knowledge. The German term Wettermacher describes the weather-making aspect. Other synonyms include zgrimințeș in Romanian. The legend shares traits with global myths of wizard-scholars and dragon riders.

Law and persecution

The belief is part of folklore rather than a regulated practice. Historical records show academic interest but no persecution. The legend exists in literary and ethnographic contexts. Modern Romania treats it as cultural heritage. No laws protect or prohibit the belief itself.

Questions people ask about Solomonari

Good reading and sources

• Solomonari on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data