Zana (Zanë in Gheg or Zërë in Tosk,[1][2] pl. zanë(t), see other variants below) is a nymph-like figure in Albanian mythology and folklore, usually associated with mountains, springs and streams, forests, vegetation and animals, human vital energy and sometimes destiny.[3] Zana e Madhe ("the Great Zana") is thought to have been an Illyrian goddess, equivalent of the Ancient Greek Artemis and Roman Diana.[4]
The zana are considered in folk beliefs to be extraordinary courageous (thus the Albanian expression trim si zana) and they confer their protection on warriors similarly to Pallas Athena of Ancient Greece.[5] Innumerable Albanian folk poems, myths and legends that are dedicated to Zana and her friends have been handed down to modern times.[6] The zana are thought to have observed the speeches at the League of Prizren at 1878.[7] Similar Albanian mythological figures with nymph-like attributes are: Ora, Bardha, Shtojzovalle, Mira and Fatí.