Bâgoumâwel, the Miraculous Child
Fulɓe pastoral initiatory tradition · demigod · Fulɓe pastoral initiatory tradition traditional religion; continuing · demigod
Bâgoumâwel is the wonder-child of the Fulani initiatory cycle, described as an African counterpart of Little Thumb, young and old at once, who speaks before birth and names himself. He embodies the good in the tale's cosmic struggle, protecting his uncles and finally destroying the sorceress Njeddo Dewal through cunning and superior knowledge. As the hero of the initiatory reading, he models the wisdom, courage and self-mastery the postulant must attain.
Domains
- wisdom and deliverance
Powers
- to outwit and overcome the sorceress Njeddo Dewal
- to know hidden and future things from before his birth
Relations
- enemy: Njeddo Dewal, Mother of Calamity
- subordinate to: Geno, the Eternal One