Adinolfi, Roberto2026-09-042026-09-042025ISSN 1312-5346https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/1106Apocrypha have been a part of Bulgarian literature since its earliest stages and include apocryphal prayers, which are often contained in amulets. There are prayers against several kinds of illnesses, misfortunes, evil beings, and, generally against threats to human prosperity and well-being. Following a tradition from ancient times, in these prayers and incantations we can find large narrative parts, which at times bear similarities to folk tales. This is the case of the prayers of St. Sisinnius. Several of the apocryphal prayers are found in texts from different epochs; for instance, one should think of the letter of King Abgar to Jesus, excerpts of which can already be found in lead amulets from the 10th century, but it is also part of the first Bulgarian printed books. Today’s folk rituals share similarities with Medieval prayers. This paper focuses on the analysis of some apocryphal motifs through the centuries.otherAmuletsapocryphal prayersillnessesevil beingsSaintsLetter of AbgarArticle