Black Arab (mythology)

Not to be confused with Afro-Arabs.

In Serbian, Macedonian, and in Bulgarian mythology, Black Arab (Serbian: Црни Арапин, Crni Arapin, Bulgarian: Църен Арапин, Черен Арап(ин), Macedonian: Црна Арапина, Crna Arapina) is a designation for Arabs and black people.[1] The Black Arab is often depicted as a dark skin ruffian who kidnaps women and girls.[1] In Serbian folklore, as well as in the beliefs of other Balkan peoples, the Arab is a chthonic demon, a replacement for the devil.[1] Some authors compare it with Slavic Triglav.[1]

In a story of Serb folklore, an Arab, after being slain in battle, escapes while carrying his head in his arm. Some other tales and folk songs have the character of a three-headed Arab.[1]

In Bulgarian folklore, notable national heroes such as Sider Voevoda or Strahil Voevoda fight Black Arab.

In Serbian and Macedonian folklore Krali Marko fights against Black Arab.

Literature

• Interpretations, volume III, 2009: Black Arab as a Figure of Memory

References

1. Š. Kulišić; P. Ž. Petrović; N. Pantelić (1970). "Арапин". Српски митолошки речник (in Serbian). Belgrade: Nolit. p. 7.

Further reading

• Stojanović, Lidija (2011). “Arapot Vo Makedonskata Narodna kniževnost I Negovi Paraleli Na Mediteranot" [The Black Arab in Macedonian Folk Literature and Parallels in the Mediterranean Folklore]. In: Studia Mythologica Slavica 14 (October). Ljubljana, Slovenija, 195-211. https://doi.org/10.3986/sms.v14i0.1609.