Basajaunak

Today I wanted to write about the Basajaunak (Basajaun [m]/Basandere [f]), a group of Basque forest spirits who taught humans agriculture, ironwork, and shepherding. They are hairy humanoid who inhabit the Irati Forest and Gorbea. They protect livestock in exchange for bread. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basajaun?wprov=sfla1

Olentzero

With the Holidays coming up I wanted to write about Olentzero, a Basque Christmas figure who delivers presents December 24th, 27th, or 31st. Olentzero is a Jentil, Basque giants. On the Christmas that Jesus was born many of the Jentillak left Basque county or died to avoid becoming Christian. Only Olentzero stayed and now brings

Jean de l’Ours/Juan Artz

Today I wanted to write about Jean de l’Ours (also called Juan Artz, Juan del Oso, Joan de l’Os, Giovanni dell’Orso, Iann he vaz Houarn, John Bear, and a few other variations) who is a folk hero believed to originate as a Basque, Gaulish, Celtiberian, or even a paleolithic celtic figure associated with bears. He

Ilargi

With the full moon tonight I wanted to write about Ilargi, a Basque Celtic moon goddess. She’s a daughter of Amalur and is the twin sister of Eki. Every night she leaves her mother and returns in the morning. Very little information about the worship of Basque and other Celtic gods and goddesses are available