Tradition / Region: Romanian Mythology
Alternative names: Andilandi (in some tales)
Category: Bird

The Myth

The Pasărea Măiastră is the Queen of Birds in Romanian mythology, a radiant supernatural being who dwells in the Otherworld. She is renowned for her incomparable beauty, dazzling light, and magnificent multicolored plumage. As the messenger of the fairies, she possesses immense magical power and reveals herself only to the most fortunate of mortals.

The bird’s enchanting song is said to be heard only in solitude, and anyone privileged enough to listen to it is restored to youth. As a magical guardian and bringer of justice, the Pasărea Măiastră rarely leaves her hidden home, appearing only when her powers are needed or when fate calls her into the world of humans.

In some Romanian folktales, the Pasărea Măiastră is known as Andilandi, the cursed daughter of an emperor who was transformed into a marvelous bird. Despite her enchantment, she retains her royal nature and extraordinary powers, remaining one of the greatest and most wondrous birds of Romanian legend.

Sources

Contribuitorii Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pasărea măiastră. În Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pas%C4%83rea_m%C4%83iastr%C4%83

The Myth

A man from Pretai was once returning home from the mill when he noticed something small and black lying by the roadside. When he bent down to look, he saw it was a chicken, entirely black. He picked it up and carried it home, placing it beneath the hearth and feeding it.

After some time, one night he heard a voice coming from the hearth. It was the chicken speaking.

“What should I bring you?” it asked.

Startled, the man muttered, “Be quiet! What could you possibly bring me?”

The following night, the chicken spoke again.
“What should I bring you?”

This time the man answered, “If you truly want to bring me something, then bring me plenty of money.”

From that night on, the chicken did exactly that, and the man soon became rich.