Zana (Zanë in Gheg or Zërë in Tosk,[1][2] pl. zanë(t), see other variants below) is an Albanian mythological figure usually associated with mountains, springs and streams, forests, vegetation and animals, human vital energy and sometimes destiny.[3] Zana is thought to have been originally a pre-Roman deity, and an Illyrian goddess equivalent of the Ancient Greek Artemis and Roman Diana.[4]
The zana are considered in folk beliefs to be extraordinary courageous (thus the Albanian expression trim si zana) and they confer their protection on warriors similarly to Pallas Athena of Ancient Greece.[5] Innumerable Albanian folk poems, myths and legends that are dedicated to Zana and her friends have been handed down to modern times.[6] The zana are thought to have observed the speeches at the League of Prizren at 1878.[7] Similar Albanian mythological figures with nymph-like attributes are: Ora, Bardha, Shtojzovalle, Mira and Fatí.
- ^ Fishta 2005, p. 471.
- ^ Râdulescu 1996, pp. 345–346.
- ^ Galaty et al. 2013, p. 157; Lurker 2004, p. 207; Elsie 2001a, p. 269; Doja 2005, p. 456
- ^ Galaty et al. 2013, p. 157; Doja 2005, pp. 456–457; Elsie 2001a, p. 269; Treimer 1971, p. 28.
- ^ Elsie & Mathie-Heck 2004, p. 374.
- ^ Galaty et al. 2013, p. 157.
- ^ Elsie 2005, p. 123–125.
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