Abada (unicorn)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the Kongo language, Abada refers to a mythical animal similar to a unicorn. The Abada, however, has two crooked horns as opposed to a unicorn's single one.[1] The Abada's horns hang limp and soft when it is relaxed or sleeping, but hardens when it feels threatened.[2] The Abada's horns can act as an antidote to poison and disease.[1] It is also claimed that natives would hunt the male Abadas to use their skin as shields.[2] The Abada is also known as Nillekma or Arase.[1]
It has been described as being the size of a small donkey with the tail of a boar. In many tales, the Abada is said to appear during moments of hardship, such as when a traveler is lost or someone is gravely ill. Its arrival is viewed as a sign of good fortune and a supernatural source of hope.[1]
Outside of Conglese myth the Abada is also found in Indonesian, Malay, and Tartar mythologies in which the Abada is portrayed as a primarily female creature with a shy disposition.[3]
Testimonies collected by explorer and novelist William Winwood Reade
- A missionary who had been searching for an Abada was gifted a young one by local natives, only for it to die days later.
- A Portuguese captain along with twenty men witnessed an Abada leaping out of the bushes while resting. Later, more Portuguese soldiers would observe an Abada grazing in the high mountains after being send by the Ethiopian emporer Adamas Segued.
In popular culture
- Skin by the Sea, Natasha Bowen page 103 In the young adult fantasy novel an Abada appears in chapter 11 . It is described as having two turquoise eyes and two spiraling horns. Unlike it's typical folklore portrayal the Abada is portrayed in a mysterious and benevolent role, helping the main protagonist in her time of need. Bookey's analysis of the novel specifically states that the Abada symbolizes lost souls.[4]
- Little Pollon, Season 1 Episode 7 The Abada in featured in this episode is drawn similarly to a zebra with a singular crooked horn on it's head. It is the first of many unicorns featured within the episode. The Abada is portrayed as a mysterious and skittish creature, playing up the "exoticism" of the creature for the audience.
- My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Comics, IDW publishing (issue #89) The Abada in the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Comics are from the African inspired land of Farasi. The Abada unlike their usual media portrayals, are friendly and social creatures very similiar to the other ponies within the series. They are visually distinct from the other ponies through their tall, lithe forms, lion-like tails, and unique double horns.
