Tradition / Region: Albanian Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Snake
The Myth
The healing snake is a serpent that attends the wounded hero Mujo, possessing restorative abilities. It is described as having remedies beneath its tongue and tending wounds directly, aiding in recovery and easing pain.
Mujo lay gravely wounded in his home, his body pierced and weakened. At his side were three beings: an ora at his head, a serpent upon his wounds, and a wolf at his feet. The serpent moved over his injuries and treated them. Under its tongue were nine kinds of ointments, which it used to cleanse his wounds three times a day. When the pain grew too strong, the serpent would sing a strange song. As it sang, Mujo’s pain faded and he fell into sleep. In this sleep, he saw himself whole again, hunting and resting in the mountains and waters. When he awoke, the pain had lessened.
The serpent remained with him, continuing its care, and was regarded as a source of help placed there to assist him in his suffering.
Sources
Albanian Literature contributors. (n.d.). Oral verse: Frontier Warriors (Këngë Kreshnikësh). In Albanian Literature, from http://www.albanianliterature.net/oralverse/verse_09_17.html
Palaj, B., & Kurti, D. (1937). Visaret e Kombit, vol. II. In Tirana, from Songs of the Frontier Warriors (Këngë Kreshnikësh): Albanian Epic Verse (Elsie, R., & Mathie-Heck, J., 2004)