Tradition: Mordvin Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: None known
Category: Forest Dweller
The Myth
Bobo is a short, furry creature from Mordvin folklore, covered in thick black fur and carrying a large sack. It has a bird-like leg and a long, bushy tail, and its strange appearance makes it a frightening figure for mischievous children. Bobo lives in vegetable gardens or in the forest, hiding until evening before emerging to frighten children who refuse to behave.
When children are naughty or misbehave, their mothers or grandmothers warn them that Bobo is coming from the forest. The creature is said to put those who are not ready for bed into its sack and carry them away. Although children imagine Bobo as a terrifying monster, it is not especially dangerous in reality. It mainly serves as a frightening figure used by adults to encourage children to behave and go to sleep.
Bobo emerges late in the evening and peers into the windows of houses, searching for mischievous children. It makes noises by banging its furry paws and muttering, “Bo-bo-bo!” However, it only scares children who are still awake and refuses to stay when everyone has settled down and gone to sleep. Once the house becomes quiet, Bobo chooses the warmest place to sleep itself, curling up comfortably like a furry creature seeking shelter.
Sources
sagen.at contributors. (n.d.). Das Bichelgretchen an der Syr. In sagen.at, from https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/luxemburg/Bichelgretchen.html