Aatxe
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Aatxe is an evil spirit in the folk mythology of the Basque people. His name is literally translated as "Young Bull", and he is sometimes known as Etsai.[1] He is a cave-dwelling spirit who adopts the form of a young red bull, but being a shapeshifter, sometimes takes the shape of a man. At night, more so in stormy weather, he arises from the hollow which is his lair. He attacks criminals and other mean people. He also protects people by making them stay home when danger is near.
He is theorized to be a representation of the goddess Mari, or may be an enforcer of her will, punishing people who cheat her. Another name for him is Aatxegorri which means 'young red bull'.
[edit] References
- ^ Rose, Carol (1998). "A". Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns and Goblins. Norton. p. 1. ISBN 0393317927.
[edit] See also
Aaxtegorri site A page on Aaxtegorri, with a story about him.
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