Aatxe (pronounced[a.atʃe]; a contraction ofaratxe[1]) is a spirit in the folkmythology of theBasque people. His name is literally translated as "Young Bull", and he is sometimes known asEtsai.[2] He is acave-dwelling spirit who adopts the form of a young red bull, but being ashapeshifter, sometimes takes the shape of a man.[3] At night, more so in stormy weather, he arises from the hollow which is his lair. He attacks criminals and other malevolent people. He also protects people by making them stay home when danger is near.
He is theorized to be a representative of the goddessMari, or may be an enforcer of her will, punishing people who cheat her. Another name for him is Aatxegorri which means "young red bull". It is believed Aatxe inhabited caves and hollows; in many (Isturits,Sare,Errenteria, among others) engravings and paintings depicting aurochs, bulls, and oxen have been found; which implies that this Basque myth has its origins in the Paleolithic.[4]
Aatxe is used as the name of horned shadow monsters in theGuild Wars franchise.[5]
 | This article relating to aEuropean folklore is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |