Istrian Mythology Quiz

Who were the štrige in Istrian mythology?

• Evil forest spirits

• Witches believed to bring misfortune

• Giants who built towns

• Benevolent healers who protected villages

According to legends, what did giants build in Istria?

• Castles and churches

• The Arena in Pula and hills around Motovun

• Magical underground tunnels

• Stone bridges across hidden valleys

According to Istrian legends, how did the people show gratitude to the giants for their work?

• By offering roasted oxen

• By paying them with money

• By giving them crops

• By gifting silver necklaces and wine

What is Veli Jože famous for?

• He was a giant symbolizing strength and justice

• He was a king of Istria

• He was a dragon who lived under Pazin Castle

• He was a sorcerer who controlled storms

What did people in Istria do to protect themselves from witches?

• Carried garlic and salt

• Lit bonfires and wore red ribbons

• Avoided going out during full moon

• Placed iron knives under pillows

What is the Duhovina in Istrian mythology?

• A) A protective household spirit

• B) An invisible spirit that kills pregnant women and children

• C) A fairy who lived in the forests

• D) A wandering monk cursed to never rest

In Istrian mythology, what power does the Orko have?

• It confuses people and makes them forget where they were going

• It blesses travellers with good luck

• It protects houses from evil spirits

• It steals voices and hides them in caves

How does a werewolf come into being?

• When a child is born with teeth or hair

• When a person who was very evil dies

• When someone is bitten by a wolf

• When a person eats raw wolf meat under a full moon

How can you destroy a werewolf?

• Pierce it with a stake made from white hawthorn while three holy men are present

• Burn its fur under the full moon

• Feed it consecrated bread and salt

• Throw it into a running river at dawn

What is the Mora in Istrian mythology?

• A spirit that sits on a person’s chest while they sleep, causing nightmares

• A helpful forest fairy guiding travelers

• A giant that protects the mountains

• A ghost that steals animals from barns