Bauk (mythology)

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Bauk (Serbian: Баук, Serbian pronunciation: [bauk]) is an animal-like mythical creature in Serbian mythology.[1] Bauk is described as hiding in dark places, holes or abandoned houses, waiting to grab, carry away and devour its victim; but it can be scared away by light and noise.[1] It has clumsy gait (bauljanje), and its onomatopea is bau (Serbian pronunciation: [bau]).[1]

Interpretation of bauk's attributes leads to conclusion that bauk is actually description of real bears,[1] that have already been regionally extinct in some parts of Serbia and known only as legend.[1] The word "bauk" was initially used as a hypocorism.[1]

In popular culture

Bauk is used as the translation for goblin in Serbian editions of works of J. R. R. Tolkien, first translated by Mary and Milan Milišić.[2] Bauk is also used as the translation for the Imp in the Serbian edition of A Song of Ice and Fire series, translated by Nikola Pajvančić.[3]

See also

  • Bear in culture
Major gods
Other gods
Legendary heroes
Magical creatures and plants
Spirits and demons
Other

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Kulišić, Špiro (1970). "Баук". In Kulišić, Špiro; Petrović, Petar Ž.; Pantelić, Nikola. Српски митолошки речник (in Serbian). Belgrade: Nolit. p. 20. 
  2. ↑ Tolkien, J. R. R. (1986). Hobit [The Hobbit] (in Serbian). translated by Meri & Milan Milišić. Belgrade: Nolit. p. 65. ISBN 86-19-00897-8. COBISS.SR 31269383. 
  3. ↑ Martin, G. R. R. (2003). Igra prestola [A Game of Thrones] (in Serbian). translated by Nikola Pajvančić. Belgrade: Laguna. p. 37, corresponding to page 34 (beginning of chapter "Eddard") of an English edition. ISBN 86-7436-099-8. COBISS.SR 107207180. 


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