LAMIAS


Lamias, also called lamiaks or laminaks in Basque mythology, are beautiful female beings with duck feet, fish tails or claws, attributes that allow them to inhabit semi-aquatic environments as well as walk on land, as long as it is for short periods of time and not in consecrated spaces such as churches or temples.


The Basque lamias do not correspond to the mermaids of classical mythology although they share some characteristics, being, in reality, closer to the fairies of other cultures. The Lamias are a kind of nymph with long golden hair that they untangle with golden combs.

Their love for mortals drives them to help them, according to Gallic legends, to erect dolmens or cromlechs (megalithic monuments), although they know that these are impossible loves. In recent times, some authors have claimed the figure of the Lamia as a symbol of tolerance towards the diversity of couples and sexual orientation.