salamandra

nature_spirit earth Jewish single tradition · 1

The legendary salamandra mentioned in the Talmud was a creature engendered in fire. According to the Hagigah 27a, anyone smeared with its blood allegedly became immune to fire. A fire salamander appears where a fire is sustained at a spot for seven days and seven nights according to the Midrash, but the fire needs be maintained 7 years according to Rashi.

When

First attested
200 CE
Attested period
200 – 1105
Historical notes
Documented in the Talmud and discussed by Rashi (1040-1105), St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329-390), and Saint Augustine (354-430).

Sources

wikipedia (1)

Source passages

“The legendary salamandra (סָלָמַנְדְּרָה / סלמנדרה) mentioned in the Talmud was a creature engendered in fire, and according to the Hagigah 27a, anyone smeared with its blood allegedly became immune to fire.”

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