Romanian Folklore

These illustrations bridge ancient pagan traditions with modern art, transforming oral folklore into striking visual narratives. This collection is a love letter to cultural heritage—breathing new life into forgotten spirits, preserving history through brushstrokes, and keeping the soul of Eastern European folklore alive.

Sanzienele

In Romanian mythology, Ileana Cosânzeana is the ultimate symbol of beauty, light, and female courage. Often called the Queen of Flowers, legends say the earth bloomed wherever she walked. She was famous for her glowing golden hair, her knowledge of healing herbs, and a magical voice that could cure the wounded. In traditional stories, she represents light itself—frequently chased by the Moon or kidnapped by a Zmeu (dragon) before being rescued by the hero, Făt-Frumos.

Ileana Cosanzeana

Stima Apei

In Romanian folklore, the Știmă is a powerful, morally ambiguous deity. She is both a life-giving guardian and a volatile force capable of drowning or flooding those who disrespect her waters. Capturing her hypnotic gaze and dual nature, this artwork translates the unpredictable power of Eastern European pagan heritage into a striking testament of cultural memory.

Vantoasa

The "Vântoase" are Romanian mythological creatures believed to be evil wind spirits.

They are said to conjure wind and possible storms.

The wind fairies resemble humans but are slightly transparent and wear something to cover their

There are quite a few stories about these fairies, and most of them depict them as evil and harmful. They are also believed to have a queen called "Volbura."

Volbura was cursed by God to always dance, and when we see a whirlwind, that's her carrying out her curse.

Below is my attempt at interpreting Vântoase's queen, Volbura. I took inspiration for her outfit from the region of Muntenia, as it is prone to whirlwinds and powerful storms.

Iana Sanziana

Iana Sanziana is the Romanian folkloric Moon Fairy.

She appears in several folktales under different circumstances but ultimately as the Moon Fairy.

In one story, she is believed to be the sister of a golden haired emperor to whom he fell in love with and wished to marry. He gifted her a White Monastery in the depths of the Sea to keep her safe.

To avoid a union between siblings, God changed Iana's form into the moon and sent her in the sky far away from her brother, the sun, destined to never see each other again.

In a different story, the Sun fell in love with the Moon ( still his sister), wishing to keep her always close with him. But because there was no night in which nature was to rest, God separated them to create harmony in the world.

Miaza-Noapte

MIAZĂNOAPTE ( Midnight) is the personification of night in Romanian's folklore.

She has 2 brothers, ZORILA ( sunrise) and MURGILA (sunset) . Together, they represent the cicle of time. They are always in a rush but never catching each other.

She is sometimes believed to bring the cold breeze of night, and in some other instances, she is directly associated with winter and the polar cold.

Some believe she opens the gates of the other side, letting spirits wander into the living realm. That is why it is believed that it is bad omen to go outside at midnight.

I drew inspiration primarily from the traditional clothing of the region Oltenia and Maramures of Romania as the beautiful shapes of the garments flow harmonious. The patterns intertwine gracefully with the colours, creating the mythical atmosphere this piece requires.

Valva Comorii

Rooted in the grit and shadow of Romanian folklore, this piece breathes life into the guardian of the depths. The Vâlva Comorii isn't just a spirit; she is the mountain’s pride made manifest. Elegant, ancient, and utterly unyielding, she is the last thing a seeker sees before the silence takes them