Urban Legends in Somalia
The Somali Forest
Dhegdheer (means "Big Ears" in English), a cannibalistic woman who hunts lost children and haunts the forests of Somalia. Originally this urban legend was told as a cautionary tale to warn children against wandering too far from home, the story is similar to that of Hansel and Gretel and the boogeyman. Dhegdheer is described as having one long ear, which makes hunting easy. She chases children through the forest and devours them—she especially loves those with no manners.
Dhegdheer is a Somali folktale, that has been passed down through many generations. Just like the “boogeyman” from European folklore, Dhegdheer is used to “scare” children into good behavior. Parent’s always caution their children by saying: “Don’t wander out alone at night of Dhegdheer is going to get you”.
This urban legend is derived from Somali mythology as early as the 5th century, way before Islam became the primary religion. Dhegdheer was viewed as a demon in their henotheistic belief system along with other myths, legends and folk tales circulating in Somali society that were passed down to the newer generations. Many of the things that constitute Somali mythology today are traditions whose accuracy have faded away with time or have transformed considerably with the coming of Islam to the Horn of Africa, because of how it goes against the religion.
Below: Image of the Laas Geel Caves that depicts where people thought Dhegdheer was "located"