Galician Faith in the Enchanted Mouros and Mouras: Is There Reality Behind the Fairytales?

Numerous folk stories in Galicia, Spain, tell of supernatural spirits that dwell in forests, among the waters of the rivers, or on sandy beaches. Many of them are related in some ways to ancient Celtic stories but it is not the only source of their inspiration. In fact, the folklore legends that remain alive in this area are a mixture of different traditions that originate with the local Portuguese and Spanish, as well as the older sources, like the Celts and Romans.

According to some of these legends, the Mouros and Mouras were important spirits that inhabited the lands of Galicia, as well as North Portugal and Asturia, many millennia ago. Nobody knows from where they came, but they are famous for their mesmerizing craftsmanship in silver, gold, and precious gemstones. While they were making jewels, the female form, known as Mouras, were like mirrors of fairies, and supposedly could be seen combing their long, beautiful hair while sitting somewhere in nature.

• Do you dare enter a fairy ring? The mythical mushroom portals of the supernatural
• The Mysterious Fairy Flag of Clan MacLeod and its Legendary Protective Powers

Protectors of Thrilling Wealth

Legends say that the Mouros live far away from any human settlements, and it is very hard to meet one because they leave their safe places only if they need food or due to very special events, like Midsummer. Nevertheless, awareness of their existence was always strong.

The authors of the article ‘Myths, Legends and Beliefs on Granite Caves’ described the “os Mouros” as follows: