Among the most appealing of the fantastic creations that populate In the Realms of the Unreal are the Blengiglomenean Serpents, or Blengins. These are dragonlike creatures that protect children, often at grave risk to themselves. The Blengins take many specific forms; some are combined with human characteristics, others with animal heads or butterfly wings. Some of the creatures are violent, but all are united by their love of children. Darger tellingly wrote:

“As far back as 1188, the creatures have shown a greater fondness towards children of all nations, as to exceed the love of any mother. As they have somehow knew of the existence of God, they feel sure that any man, no matter what nation he is in, who ill-treats a little child, for whatever reason, is not only an enemy of children, but also an enemy of God. No man is safe in their presence who hurts a child.”

Stacy C. Hollander, "Gigantic Roverine with Young All poisonous All islands of Universan seas and oceans. Also in Calverina Angelinia and Abbieannia," exhibition label for Jubilation|Rumination: Life, Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.

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