Why Are Salamanders Connected with Fire in History?

A mysterious salamander, found in damp forests and among rocks of moss, has long crossed the line between myth and reality. Why are these little creatures so intriguing? Let's take a journey through the lore and discover myths, legends, and maybe surprises along the way.

What are Salamanders? 

Salamanders have captivated imaginations for centuries. But the truth behind their legendary reputation likely stems from folklore rather than fact. Is there a connection between salamanders and fire?

Salamanders are ancient creatures that have been around for over 160 million years. They predate many dinosaurs!

A salamander is an amphibian known for its spotted skin, four legs, and thick tails. It lives in damp habitats such as forest streams, where it eats insects and tiny animals. Famous for their ability to regenerate missing body parts, salamanders can live for several years or even decades. However, they are currently facing habitat loss due to pollution and are in danger of extinction, despite playing an essential role in ecosystems.

The Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is the amphibian most associated with legends. Native to parts of Europe, this salamander features contrasting black or dark brown skin adorned with bright yellow or orange markings.

Unlike most other amphibians, salamanders have a unique ability to breathe through their skin

Despite its fiery name, the Fire Salamander thrives in cool, damp habitats such like rocks near streams deep in the forest.

Salamander connection with a fire in folklore

In ancient Greece, salamanders were associated with fire. Pliny the Elder wrote about fire salamanders in Book 10 of his "Natural History." He described them as creatures living in the mountains of Africa, in particular in the region of Carthage. Pliny added that the salamanders were capable of extinguishing fires with their bodies, and locals had been known to use their skin as a shield against flames. Additionally, Pliny noted that the salamanders were born from fire itself.

Salamanders have remarkable regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, tails, parts of their hearts, and even parts of their brains

Paracelsus, a famous Renaissance figure, also wrote about salamanders. In One of his notable works, "De Natura Rerum" (On the Nature of Things) Paracelsus connects salamanders with the element of fire and the transformative processes of alchemy. In line with Plinius' view, he thought the salamander to be a creature capable of resisting fire or even being born in flames.

Paracelsus wrote also these mysterious words about Salamanders

Whoever goes through life without desire,

Denying himself any purpose,

Lives in the bright fire

With the salamander,

And keeps himself pure

In the pure element.

Until the emergence of modern biology, Paracelsus's writings on salamanders had shaped how people viewed them.

Possible explanations of Salamander connection with fire

Salamanders were sometimes found among firewood, particularly during colder months when people collected wood for warmth. During such times, salamanders were often in a state of aestivation, a dormancy similar to hibernation. Discovering a salamander in the woodpile, especially one with vibrant markings or colors, might have been interpreted as a symbol of association of this amphibian with fire.

Many salamander species undergo a fascinating process of hibernation called "brumation." During colder months, they retreat to underground burrows, caves, or other sheltered spots

When logs containing salamanders were thrown into the fire, it would emerge seemingly unharmed. This phenomenon led to the belief in the fire resistance of salamanders, as they appeared to survive in flames. The salamander's ability to survive in fire has been embellished over time, leading to salamander portrayal as a creature of fire.

Moreover, certain salamanders possess toxins or skin that can resist heat to some extent. While salamanders cannot endure direct exposure to flames, their ability to withstand moderate heat or brief encounters with fire reinforced the perception that they were fireproof.

Additionally, some species of salamanders, such as the Eastern tiger salamander, exhibit bioluminescence. They produce a glow, particularly during the mating season, which adds to their association with qualities resembling fire.

In folklore and mythology, unusual animals such as the fire salamander or The Eastern tiger salamander often possess symbolic meanings or associations. These ancient beliefs show how humans have always tried to make sense of the natural world, even if they seem fanciful now.