In Yoruba folklore, there exists a mythical entity known as Egbére, also referred to as the Bush Baby. This gnome is characterized by a dismal appearance, constant tears, and a tattered mat. The eerie, nose-dripping dwarf roams the forest in tears, perpetually in a foul mood.
Egbére, the homeless wanderer, always carries a tattered mat of wealth. This mat is reputed to bring riches to anyone brave enough to snatch it from the wailing gnome. Legend says that whoever takes Egbére’s mat will be haunted by its cries for a long time. However, if the person can endure or ignore Egbére’s wailings, they will become wealthy forever. Conversely, if Egbére succeeds in reclaiming its mat, the person will die in abject poverty and might even go mad.
Similar to Egbére is the leprechaun, a magical figure in Celtic mythology and Irish fables. The leprechaun is a small, mischievous but solitary elf who can be either malevolent or benevolent. It is said to keep a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, bestowing it upon whoever it chooses.
I truly wonder, has anyone actually seen an Egbére? I have not… I have only heard tales.
Ǹjẹ́ ẹyin ti ṣe alábápàdé Egbére rí? Àbí ẹ ti gbọ́ ìtàn rẹ̀ rí? Have you ever encountered an Egbére? Or have you been told stories about the gnome?
Peoplesmind
Credit: Ìyá Ilé Òókán
