Bouda
Encyclopedia : B : BO : BOU : Bouda
Bouda is an African tribe with members that have been attributed with having the power to shapeshift into hyenas in folklore. Due to this, the term Bouda has been made widely synonymous with the term "were-hyena," even when such individuals do not belong to the Bouda tribe. Lesser known terms include Qora for Ethiopian were-hyenas from the ancient Kingdom of Kaffa. The Bouda are the African equivalent of the more famous European werewolves.
Mythologically, the Bouda may transform as and when it wishes to as compared to werewolves, which transforms through a lunar cycle. Turning into a hyena is usually represented as an hereditary trait, often linked with the hereditary witchcraft that is strongly associated with blacksmiths in Africa. Bouda observes matriarchical traditions like hyenas. The power to transform is passed down from mother to offsprings.
The Bouda are not localised in Africa. Many legends from other parts of the world; namely Greece, Bulgaria and Syria, also recount such exotic lycanthropes.
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