General Description of Ala
Ala is a demonic creature in the folklore of the South Slavs, notably in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. Ala is known as a goddess or demon of the weather, closely linked to storms, hail clouds, and natural destruction. She is feared for her ability to cause thunderstorms, violent storms, and to destroy crops through hail or other destructive weather phenomena. In some traditions, she is also associated with phenomena like eclipses, where she attempts to "devour" the sun or the moon, thus representing the disruption of the natural order.
Table of Ala's Correspondences
| Stones | Obsidian, amethyst |
| Colors | Black, gray, silver |
| Plants | Mandrake, nettle, belladonna |
| Signs | Scorpio, Gemini |
| Planet | Saturn (symbolizing destruction and trials) |
| Offerings | Incense, willow branches, charcoal |
Symbols and Appearances
Ala is a polymorphic demon, capable of changing shape. She can appear in various forms: a black wind, a giant serpent, a bird of prey, or even a terrifying woman made of lightning. Her appearances are usually accompanied by strong wind, hail, or storms, and she is capable of causing havoc by devastating crops, making her a very feared creature among farmers. In some versions, she is seen as the sister of dragons (Zmey), creatures with whom she can fight in the skies.
Genealogy of Ala
Unlike some deities of the Slavic pantheon, Ala has no defined genealogy or specific family. She is generally considered an independent and destructive force, embodying the natural elements of storm and devastation. Sometimes, she is linked to other mythological creatures like dragons or Zmey, often in conflict with them, as they protect villages from storms. Ala thus represents a solitary force, embodying the whims of nature without hierarchy or particular family structure.
