The Legends re-told.

This novel is a work of fiction, however there are some traditions and legends that are deeply rooted in truth and belief in Italy and the regions the book takes place. In this blog you can read all about the legends and stories behind the novel.

La Lukabaggia - A local legend from the villages on the mountains that lie between the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romangna. This legend has been passed down through generations as a bad luck omen. It is said that La Lukabaggia is a shape shifter, however its favourite form is a large owl. Legend states that if you hear the owl screech at dusk then someone will die before the light of dawn arrives. 

La donna vestita di nero - A woman dressed all in black is an age old legend told in many different cultures and with different background stories. In this context, the character represents a woman in mourning. Black is worn by Italian women when they have lost their husband, parent, or child. They must wear black and must remain in mourning for one year after the loss of a loved one. 

Wolves and  'In Bocca al Lupo'. - Wolves play an important part in Italian history and folklore. From the wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus to the legend of the Werewolf of Pontremoli (Tuscany), the wolf has appeared in many forms in Italian storytelling.

The wolf is an important part of the natural eco-system in Italy, with the grey wolf being native to the forests in many parts of Italy. The wolf is a powerful symbol of strength, loyalty, and majesty for Italians, and to kill one has always been a taboo subject.

For Italians saying 'In Bocca al Lupo'  (into the wolf's mouth) is a good luck blessing.  This saying finds its origin in the hunting world, where hunters wished each other luck - to not end up in the wolf's mouth.  If someone said to a hunter - 'In bocca al lupo'  the correct reply would be 'crepi il lupo (may the wolf die) for the good luck to be passed on.  

However, interestingly, modern Italians will reply -'Grazie' ( Thank you). It seems that modern Italians have interpreted it as good luck to be in the wolf's mouth, simply because this is how the she-wolf will carry her young. So to be in the wolf's mouth is to be protected. 

The wolf remains an important and revered symbol for all Italians. To be able to commune with, tame and domesticate a wolf shows great strength and power. 

Roma and Sinti - Whilst this story is fictional, there is some truth to the presence of Roma, particularly the Sinti, in Northern Italy.

The Sinti, a Roma subgroup originating in India, have settled in the North of Italy, France and Germany since the 15th Century. They have not always been treated well, and were targets of Nazi laws and Italy's own fascist ethnic cleansing. As outsiders they have been feared and accused of witchcraft and heresy, in spite of many of them being Catholic. Due to the settling of this subgroup and the subsequent mixing of genetics, the piercing blue eyes and dark hair, paired with the dark olive coloured skin gave the Sinti a unique look.   

Tales of 'gypsies' stealing into villages to swipe children are stories used to scare children into behaving and staying near their parents. The fear of gypsies hiding in the woods has always been a legend, albeit quite an unfair depiction of a group of people who are actually a very kind, wise and hardworking people.  You can read more about them and their history here:

The Piemontese Sinti

Donkeys, Good Luck and Naughty Children: Donkeys, for Italians, are an important part of their culture. They have been used to carry heavy loads to assist travellers and pedlars for centuries and to have a donkey as part of your community is a sign of good fortune for the locals.   

A dying and diseased donkey would be seen as a bad luck omen for Italian communities, and it is very rare that one will remain alive in such a state for any length of time.

Donkey's are also known for being a symbol of stupidity and labor, which is why the naughty children in Pinocchio are transformed into them and sold to communities to work hard as penance for poor behaviour. For Italian children, especially in the Tuscan region, the donkey becomes a symbol of warning to them, to behave for fear of making a 'jackass' out of themselves.