Somali Folktales

I have always wondered about the meaning of the stories of my culture. I have always had a strong desire to understand their importance and why they were so significant to talk about. These folktales scared me as a kid, but also created a curiosity in me. As I remembered those stories I started to understand that even though they used to scare me as a kid, they also guided me and helped me navigate the world and that’s how important my cultural stories are to me.

Somali folktales is a very alive and rich tradition passed down over generations, mainly through oral stories. These stories, usually narrated by the elderly, reflect the values, beliefs, and history of the Somali people, comprising heroes, villains, animals, and supernatural beings. The themes of Somali folklore range from moral and wise ones to cautionary tales and those of the community. These stories entertain but also carry life lessons on family and the natural world that help to keep the Somali culture alive, linking generations across time. I asked my sister if she’d heard these stories.

“The most famous story I’ve heard was Dhegdheer, she would kill and eat people. I heard it from our mother and she heard it from her mother and so on,” said my sister

The story of Dhegdheer is one of the best known legends in Somali folk literature. I feel like the story of Dhegdheer has so much to say, for example to be kind, care for others, respect one another, and don’t be greedy, and I believe that’s why I chose this story for a reason. The story about her has so many life lessons. Dhegdheer, which is a name meaning “Long Ears,” is a deformed monster that feeds on human beings, especially kids. She was once a regular woman, but her selfishness and greed led to some kind of powerful forces cursing her into a monster that walked around the land in search of people.

The long ears granted by Dhegdheer’s curse gave her the ability to hear even the tiniest sound. For this reason, nothing was hidden from her eyes, and she could find anybody, however well he or she may keep themselves hidden. Her long ears made her feel powerful, but they also made her lonely. She couldn’t have normal relationships with people because of her monster-like appearance and actions.

One day, Dhegdheer started hunting children, for they were sweet and innocent. She would enter villages very quietly, listening for the sounds of children playing or laughing. She would get hold of them and take them to a secluded place to eat. But once in her life, Dhegdheer met her match.

The people of the village and the child’s family all got together to try and stop her. They discovered that Dhegdheer’s long ears, though strong, were also her weakness. She relied too much on hearing, which means that in places where sound doesn’t travel well, such as near rivers or mountains, she was vulnerable. The villagers made use of these places. They deceived her by imitating the noises that gave her the traps, and thus, they were able to kill her with the help of the gods.
In the end, Dhegdheer was destroyed, and the village was safe once more. Many are the lessons taught by the story of Dhegdheer. It cautions people against greed and selfishness, for these were the characteristics that turned Dhegdheer into a monster. It shows how important it is to work together in times of danger. Finally, it teaches people to always be cautious, as evil may be anywhere, even in the most unbelievable forms.

This story of Dhegdheer is relevant because of the life lessons it portrays that stand today. It is one of the major Somali folktales passed on through generations, which helps in understanding the dangers of selfishness, greed, and community. Dhegdheer was once a normal woman, but because of her cruelty and selfishness, she was cursed and transformed into a monster. She transformed into a monstrous creature preying on children to satisfy her hunger, which never ended. That means greed and only thinking of one’s self will always have dire consequences.

This story is important because it teaches me a life lesson to not be shellfish and greedy, rude and disrespectful people and it shows the power of unity and teamwork. When Dhegdheer started hunting the children of that village, people did not give up. The people finally combined their knowledge of the monster’s weak points and used it against her to defeat her. This proves that when people come together and support each other, nothing is impossible for them. It also teaches us that bravery, smart thinking, and wit can help solve problems, no matter how big or scary they may be.

The lesson to be learnt from the story is very distinct: greed and selfishness destroy people, while kindness, teamwork, and caution save them. Dhegdheer turning into a monster reminds us to respect others and think about other people’s needs. It also instructs us to be careful, lest danger lurks beneath a smiling face. The story finally leads us to the value of Dhegdheer’s lessons on being kind to one another, cooperation, and being vigilant over the risks at large.

There was a time when I was much younger my mom would tell me the story of Dhegdheer, it used to scare me, and I would be afraid of the story, Because she would eat kids and seclude them and kill them. My mom told me that this was a lady that was selfish and greedy.I remember my mother would also tell me even if life brings challenges or scary situations there’s always going to be a light from the other side and to be cautious of danger because evil can come in many different forms to get at you.

The story of Dhegdheer is significant because it teaches important life lessons that are still relevant today. It shows how greed and selfishness can have serious consequences, as seen in how Dhegdheer turned into a monster because of her bad choices. The story also emphasizes the power of unity and teamwork. When the village finally came together and defeated her, that was a situation that proved even the biggest challenges in life can be overcome when people support each other. Further, the story warns us to be cautious and aware of the danger, as evil may come in forms unimaginable. Basically, Dhegdheer’s story is important in reminding us to be kind, think about others, and be alert to the risks in life. It imparts a sense of community and cooperation. Now I want you to ask this, how do you think folktales from your own culture have shaped the way you view the world or handle challenges?

Bilal was a fellow in the 2024 Story Gathering Workshop, a program that gives young writers the opportunity to publish an article for our news outlet, Voices.