10 Basque legends full of ancient mythology

The myths and legends of a town largely explain how its first inhabitants have interpreted and tried to give a symbolic explanation of the phenomena and moments that they have had to live and of which at the time it was unknown why occurred.

Only within the Iberian Peninsula can we find a great variety of traditions, myths and other attempts to explain the world from cultures such as Roman, Visigoth, Arab or Christian and even earlier such as Iberian, Celtic or Basque. And one of the territories that has a greater variety of myths and legends is the Basque Country. That is why throughout this article we are going to review a small sample of Basque legends, all of them of great cultural interest.

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10 Basque myths and legends

Next we will see a dozen Basque myths and legends, in which we can find relevant elements of the traditional folklore of these lands.

They generally refer to natural elements centered on the mountain, the forest and the creatures that inhabit them, along with characters and mythological beings. arisen in antiquity, typical of the Basque culture (the inhabitants of the territories that make up the Basque Country in pre-Roman times) although also with Celtic influences and adaptations of the change of religious beliefs (such as the arrival and adoption of Christianity as a religion majority).

1. The goddess Mari, in Txindoki

The religious beliefs of the Basques and the Basque population until the arrival of Christianity included the belief in various deities, being one of the most important the goddess Mari. This deity was a female entity which had power over storms and over nature (to the point that sometimes he was confused with the mother goddess of the Earth, Amalur) and that he used to be cruel to lies or pride. S said that she had her main home in the caves of Mount Amboto, although she arranged and moved between the different mountains.

Legend has it that after several years without going through Mount Txindoki, the deity Mari returned to visit her home at that elevation. The arrival of the deity was not something unknown: a flying horse on fire carried her, and her arrival was accompanied by rains until the deity came to her chambers.

One day a shepherdess took her master's flock to the edge of the mountain, so that in the evening they would be reunited and returned home. But as she counted them, she realized that she was missing one, fearing that she had climbed to the top. Despite the fear that the deity would punish her, the shepherdess began her ascent in search of the animal, which she found at the entrance of a cave near the top.

But the young woman also found the deity in her. The goddess was spinning, and she proceeded to ask the shepherdess for her collaboration in her task. In return, she promised him that she would reward her and that one day she would have her own herd. The shepherdess agreed, and she spent the next seven years learning not only how to spin but also things like animal language, as well as helping the goddess. After that time, the deity gave him a huge lump of coal before disappearing. Upon leaving said cave, the shepherdess realized that the coal had turned into gold, with which she was able to buy her own house and herd.

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2. The legend of the Basajaun and the wheat

In Basque mythology, there is a being of great size, hairy and of great strength, with a humanoid foot and another in the shape of a hoof, and that is often called the Basque yeti: the Basajaun. This being, of great strength and ingenuity, is considered the protector of nature and livestock, and stars in numerous legends (sometimes considering a single creature and others referring to two or more members of the same genius species). One of them, in which the origin of agriculture is discussed, is the following.

In a time before humanity knew agriculture or livestock and in which they began to the first settlements were established in the region, one of the first Basque human settlements was formed in the mount Gorbea. At the top of this mountain also lived the Basajauns, who dominated agriculture and livestock and lived comfortably. Despite the great famine of humans, the Basajauns refused to share their knowledge with humans.

But one day young Otxando decided to do something to change it. Otxando approached the territory of the Basajauns, who were harvesting wheat in their fields and gathering them into sheaves. There, he challenged them to leap over the sheaves, claiming to be able to leap beyond the huge beings. These, surprised, accepted the challenge. While the great and powerful Basajaun jumped without difficulty, Otxando did not stop falling on them, losing and receiving taunts from said beings.

The young man returned to the village. However, when he took off his shoes and shook them, various seeds that had become hooked fell to the ground. These seeds would be planted, and thanks to them the first wheat fields sown by human beings would be born., being the origin of foods such as bread.

Another version tells us how it was Martiniko who made the same challenge to Basajaun in a cave in order to obtain the grain, with the same result. Later, he would go to the same cave in order to understand how to plant it, something that he would discover when listening to these creatures sing a song in which they inadvertently explained it.

3. The red bull: Zezengorri

Another mythological creature from Basque legends is Zezengorri, the red bull. This being, a spirit that guards the entrance of its cave, is characterized by expelling fire through its mouth and nose and can attack those who disturb the caves, in which they keep the treasures of the goddess Mari. A legend mentions this being in relation to the Atxulaur cave, on Mount Itzine.

Legend has it that there was once a thief who inhabited the cave of Atxulaur, arriving over the years to accumulate a great treasure. However, the thief would move to new lands (specifically French lands) to continue stealing, a journey in which he would end up being caught and finally killed.

After the thief's death, there were those who wanted to enter the cave in search of treasure. However, the thief's spirit appeared each time in the form of a red and fiery bull, driving them away. These people eventually discovered that the thief's remains were still far from their home.

They went to retrieve his bones and brought them back to the place where the man had lived: they threw them at the entrance of the cave, sinking them instantly. Once this was done, the animal stopped frightening them and allowed them access, the thief being able to rest in peace and those who were looking for their treasure to recover it.

4. The legend of Mariurrika

A legend that tells us about the importance of the family and protecting it above material considerations, offers us a criticism of greed and at the same time is linked to the geography of the Basque Country is that of the legend of Mariurrika, which reads following.

There was once a king of Navarre who promised to give his daughter Doña Urraca in marriage to the man who managed to defeat one of his subjects. Pedro Ruiz, lord of the house of Muntsaratz de Abadiano, would respond to this challenge, who managed to emerge victorious and win the hand of the princess. With the passage of time the marriage had two children, Ibon and Mariurrika.

Mariurrika was the youngest, while she hated her older brother, who was her first-born and future heir. However, and in order to get hold of the inheritance, the girl planned with a maid to end the life of her brother: They decided to go on an excursion with him to Mount Amboto. There they got him drunk, for once in a drunken state and asleep to push him so that she would fall, falling and dying on the spot. With Ibon dead, Mariurrika returned home pretending that her brother's death had been an accident.

Although she was dispatched to a group to retrieve her body, it was never found. However, when night came, Mariurrika began to have strong pangs of conscience and a once asleep she had nightmares in which her dead brother approached her and pointed at her, accusing her of her death. Upon awakening, the young woman she was surrounded by a group of evil geniuses known as ximelgorris (evil spirits), who had come looking for her. Mariurrika disappeared that same night, never to return, and there are rumors that she lives on the mountain where she killed her brother or that she was thrown into the chasm of lost spirits.

5. The creation of the Sun, the Moon and the eguzkilorea

The Sun and the Moon are very important stars for the human being, being usual that different cultures have made myths and legends regarding the moment of their creation. Basque mythology is no exception. Curiously, the legend that speaks of its creation also refers to the creation of a typical and traditional flower in Basque culture: the eguzkilorea. Is about a flower that has been traditionally used by the Basque people as an amulet of protection against evil, being also known as the flower of the sun. The legend that tells us the origins of these elements is the following.

Thousands of years ago, when humanity was only beginning to populate the Earth, the world was plunged in constant darkness: neither the Sun nor the Moon existed. The human being was terrified by the numerous mythological creatures with which he had to live and who did not stop attacking them from the most complete darkness. For this they desperately prayed to Amalur, the great Mother Earth, in search of help and protection. The insistence of the humans made Amalur finally decide to help them by creating the Moon, as a luminous entity that would allow them to see.

Although they were terrified at first, they eventually got used to it. However witches, geniuses and other creatures also got used to it, returning to terrorize humanity. She turned to Amalur again, praying for more powerful protection. The planet reacted by creating the Sun, and with it the day and the vegetables.

Humanity got used to this star, while most of the creatures that harassed them did not. But these still went out at night, something that made people ask for help for the third time. The Earth decided to respond again, for the last time: created the eguzkilorea or flower of the sun, which placed on the doors at night makes the nocturnal creatures think that they are in front of the Sun and do not approach it fearing its luminosity.

6. Baltzola's snake

A legend that tells us a story centered on the Baltzola cave, in which elements such as the protection of nature as well as the repercussions and retribution of the actions themselves with the passage of weather.

Legend has it that two brothers, Joxe and Santi, came one day to the Baltzola cave attracted by the legend that said that the lamias kept a treasure in it. When they got there they saw a large snake, asleep, at the entrance. Santi, the youngest and craziest, threw a stone at him with such luck that he cut off part of the tail before the serpent managed to flee. Joxe, the eldest, reproached his brother for this act and forced him to leave the animal alone. They both decided to go home.

Many years later, Joxe had to emigrate in order to make his fortune. Although he thrived in that place, he did not stop missing his home. But one day a man arrived with a missing leg and, taking his hand, carried him back to Baltzola. There and before disappearing, the man told him that so that he would not have to leave again, he would give her a box with gold, while he gave her a belt for his brother. Joxe went in search of his little brother, telling her what had happened.

After realizing that the legless man had never used anything to support himself, Santi accidentally decided to tie the belt to a tree, which suddenly began to burn. After looking at each other, they both understood that the man was none other than the snake whom Santi had mutilated years ago and whom Joxe had defended.

7. The legend of the black dog

The animals closest to the human being also star in multiple legends. In the case of the dog, it has often been linked to legends that they become guardians of the spirit of the dead or even in that they are souls in pain. One of the legends featuring a dog is the following.

Legend has it that once a young man from Bizkaia about to get married was in the process of handing out wedding invitations. On his way he passed in front of the cemetery, in which saw a skull fallen on the ground. The young man kicked her, mockingly saying that she too was invited. Before long, however, he realized that a large black dog was chasing him, looking at him in such a way that he was startled. After returning home he told her mother what had happened, who recommended that she quickly go and speak to the old wizard of the city for advice.

Quickly the boy ran to see him, and the old man told him that the dog was the guardian of the corpse to which the skull belonged and that he wanted to avenge the offense committed. However, he told her that to correct the mess he should take the dog and during the banquet always serve him first, before the guests. The day of the wedding arrived and the young man did as he was told, giving the dog the best snacks always in the first place despite criticism from the guests. After doing so, the dog indicated that he had done well, because with that gesture his owner (the dead man) had decided to forgive him. After that, the dog disappeared.

8. The legend of the Paseo de los Caños

Some Basque legends of great antiquity not only speak of natural elements, but also make reference to the orography of specific parts of cities, such as the one that takes place in the Paseo de los Caños de Bilbao.

Legend has it that in said walk they can be observed some strange footprints caused by the race between an angel and the devil for the soul of a local young woman. The girl was an eighteen-year-old girl who had always lived in hardship and who used to pray to God to be reunited with him.

Although the devil always tried to tempt her, she is she never gave in. Upon her death, an angel was sent to take her to heaven, but the devil also came from her: they both ran after her soul, the young woman, leaving the race of both marks on the ground of the promenade. Finally, it was the angel who reached the girl's soul, taking her to heaven.

9. The lamia in love and the shepherd

Other of the most popular creatures of pre-Christian Basque culture are lamias. Although in other cultures these beings are almost vampiric and demonic, those of the Basque culture differ from that originally These creatures were entities similar to nymphs or mermaids, often with anthropomorphic features such as duck feet or fish tails and character benevolent, despite the fact that they can be enraged if their comb is stolen and that they are not able to step on the ground consecrated. There are many legends about it, the one we present here is a legend focused on love.

Legend has it that a shepherd, after leading his flock to the mountain, she heard a melodious song that made him forget about her animals to look for who she sang. He found a beautiful young woman in the middle of a river, combing her hair with a golden comb. The pastor immediately asked her to marry him, to which she agreed.

The pastor returned to town and told his mother, who worriedly asked for advice. She received in response the recommendation of that the son looked at the girl's feet before deciding whether to marry, in order to assess whether she was human or lamia. The boy returned to the forest to see his beloved, observing, however, that her feet were webbed and typical of a duck: it was a lamia. The young shepherd sadly returned home, where he fell ill and raved for a time with his fiancée. Finally, she died.

The young lamia, after finding out about her, ran to the house of her in love with her to cover him with a sheet of gold and say goodbye to her. He tried to follow the funeral procession, but was unable to participate in the ceremony as he was unable to enter consecrated ground. The girl cried so hard that she would end up generating a spring in the place where her tears fell.

10. The Unicorn of Bethel

Unicorns are creatures that are present in a large number of mythologies and are associated with virginity and purity, but within Basque mythology and legends only one example of a legend is known in which they participate. The legend dictates the following.

The King of Navarre Sancho the Magnanimous and his wife Doña Aldonza had had two daughters of great beauty: Violante and Guiomar. One day, a knight arrived at the king's castle who fell in love with Guiomar, a love that was reciprocated. However, the knight went to war and died during this, something that depressed the young woman.

Some time later the queen died, something that left King Sancho tremendously sore to the point that little by little he began to become seriously ill, becoming weaker and weaker. Although no doctor was able to help him, an old man indicated that the only way to cure him was to prepare a potion that he knew, but that required a special ingredient: it had to be drunk through the horn of a Unicorn.

Fortunately, the old man knew where there was one: in the forests of Bethel. But a unicorn is a being of great power and difficult to capture, who would only agree to approach a maiden who has not experienced love or its hardships. The only ones who could get it would then be Violante and Guiomar.

The first she approached the forest with determination, but when she heard the mythical being neigh, she would be terrified and flee back to the castle. Guiomar then, given the increasingly dangerous state of health of the king, decided to go after the creature despite knowing that her suffering for the love of the knight put her in danger. Guiomar went with several crossbowmen to the forest, indicating that in case of attack they would shoot the unicorn. The woman found the unicorn, but as she approached it the animal attacked her and pierced her with her horn, killing her on the spot before the crossbowmen could do anything.

They carried Guiomar's corpse and the horn back to the castle. Despite the fact that the old man was able to make the concoction and managed to make the king recover from his illness, the monarch ended up dying shortly after before the death of his beloved daughter.

Bibliographic references

• Calleja, S. (2011). Tales and legends of the Basque Country. Editorial Anaya. Madrid Spain.
• Garmendia Larrañaga, J. (2007). Apparitions, witches and gentiles: Myths and legends of the Basques- Eusko ikaskuntza. Donostia, Spain.
• Martínez de Lezea, T. (2004). Legends of Euskal Herria. Editorial Erein.
• Martínez de Lezea, T. (2016). Magical routes. Administration of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. Bilbao. [On-line]. Available in: https://turismo.euskadi.eus/contenidos/recurso_tecnico/aa30_folletos/es_def/folletos/2016/mitologia/rutas_magicas.pdf.