The salamander is as with many real creatures, often has been ascribed fantastic and sometimes occult qualities by pre-modern authors (as in the allegorical descriptions of animals in medieval bestiaries) not possessed by the real organism. The legendary salamander is often depicted as a typical salamander in shape, with a lizard-like form, but is usually ascribed an affinity with fire, sometimes specifically elemental fire.
Salamanders have been said to be able to both create and put out flames, and in some cases are borne of fire themselves and are considered Fire Spirits. However, in other stories they are merely fire resistant.
In fairy legend salamanders are credited with having taught the first humans how to make fire. There are versions of their origins stating that they were created in the furnaces of glass blowers who kept their furnaces stoked for several days and nights.
📚 Explore more of the Mystical Creatures series here: Dive into the Enchanted Realms of Mythology
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