Tradition / Region: Maltese Mythology
Alternative names: Ors tal-Gandlora
Category: Bear

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The Myth

The Gandlora Cave Bear is a gigantic cave bear said to roam the underworld beyond the great cities, guarding the steep rocky valleys that lead to the land of Buġibda.

One enormous bear is said to climb through a hidden tunnel that emerges from a cave on the side of Gelmus Hill. Because of its thick fur, it comes to the surface only during the coldest nights of midwinter, usually around Candlemas in early February.

It prowls the countryside in search of prey, wandering along lonely roads, silent village streets, and deserted alleys in the middle of the night. Children are warned to keep their doors and windows tightly shut during Candlemas, for the beast is said to reach into homes with its long hooked claws and snatch away unsuspecting children.

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Sources

Mifsud, S. D. (2014). The Maltese bestiary: An illustrated guide to the mythical flora and fauna of the Maltese Islands.

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