Abada (unicorn)

In the Kongo language, Abada refers to a mythical animal similar to a unicorn. The Abada, however, has two crooked horns as opposed to a unicorn's single one[1]. The Abada's horns hang limp and soft when it is relaxed or sleeping, but harden when it feels threatened.[2] The Abada's horns can act as an antidote to poison and disease.[1] It is also claimed that natives would hunt the male Abadas to use their skin as shields.[2] The Abada is also known as Nillekma or Arase.[1]

It has been described as being the size of a small donkey with the tail of a boar. In many tales, the Abada is said to appear during moments of hardship, such as when a traveler is lost or someone is gravely ill. Its arrival is viewed as a sign of good fortune and a supernatural source of hope.[1]

Outside of Conglese myth the Abada is also found in Indonesian, Malay, and Tartar mythologies the Abada is portrayed as a primarily female creature with a shy disposition.[3]

  • Skin by the Sea, Natasha Bowen page 103 In the young adult fantasy novel an Abada appears in chapter 11 . It is described as having two turquoise eyes and two spiraling horns. Unlike it's typical folklore portrayal the Abada is portrayed in a mysterious and benevolent role, helping the main protagonist in her time of need. Bookey's analysis of the novel specifically states that the Abada symbolizes lost souls.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Ken Wilson-Max (January 23, 2013). "African Mythical creatures: Abada 'The Unicorn'". The Illustrationist.
  2. ^ a b Archive, Internet Sacred Text. "Mythical Monsters: Chapter X. The Unicorn". Internet Sacred Text Archive. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  3. ^ Bane, Theresa (2016-05-09). Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-9505-4.
  4. ^ Bookey. Skin of the Sea. Bookey, n.d. PDF file. https://cdn.bookey.app/files/pdf/book/en/skin-of-the-sea.pdf

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Further reading

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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