Greuceanu (greh.oo.cha.nu) was a strong man, renown slayer of zmei (s.meh.i) and redeemer of the Sun and the Moon (stolen by the zmei). The zmei are creatures of Romanian/Balkanic lore, ancient reptile-like humanoids, usually ill-tempered and evil, commonly associated with the Devil. They have a habit of kidnapping princesses and stealing celestial bodies.
They're usually described as having siblings and they're always defeated in order of their age, which is also the order of their strength. The older their are, the longer the battle is and the more the Hero has to prepare before engaging the zmeu (singular; s.meh.oo). For defeating the Elder Zmeu the Hero usually employs the help of 2-3 secondary characters or helpers who aid him by exposing the zmeu's weaknesses or by providing the Hero with vital items.
'Come brave zmeu! let us clash swords or go toe-to-toe!'
'Toe-to-toe, for it is more honourable!'
'Then Greuceanu catching his breath, and, focusing his might, dear friend, he suddenly lifts the zmeu and slams him up to his neck into the ground, placing his foot over the zmeu''s head, holding him in place like that'
So there you have it. A quick insight into Greuceanu and his foes
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