Djadadjii
 | This article may need clearer distinction between fact and fiction. (October 2012) |
The Djadadjii is a type of vampire hunter in Bulgarian folklore.
According to legend, the Djadadjii's speciality is to find and destroy Bulgarian vampires, the Kroijac by "bottling" it. First, the vampire hunter takes a bottle and fills it with blood, which they carries with them while they search for the vampire's lair. The Djadadjii usually uses icons of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or a saint or holy relic for protection and to weed out the Kroijac. When the icon starts to shake s/he knows that the vampire is close.
The Djadadjii will force the vampire into the bottle. Due to its thirst for blood, the Kroijac will enter the bottle if not forced by the holy symbols. Then, the vampire hunter will lock the bottle and throw it into a burning fire. The bottle will break, killing the vampire.
Sources
Georgieva, Bulgarian Mythology (1985)
Gregory, Vampire Watcher's Handbook (2003)
Ronay: The Dracula Myth (1972)
Theresa Bane: Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology (2010)