Tradition / Region: Madagascar Mythology
Alternative names: Songomby, Songaomby, Tsiombiomby, Tsongomby, Bibiaombe, Tokantòngotra, Tokandìa
Category: Horse
The Myth
The Songòmby is a fearsome creature from the folklore of Madagascar. It is described as a large, carnivorous beast about the size of an ox or a horse. Although its appearance varies between traditions, it is consistently portrayed as extremely swift, with long drooping ears and a taste for human flesh.
The creature is said to resemble a horse, mule, donkey, or ox. It has flaring nostrils, powerful incisors, and large ears that hang over its eyes. Some traditions describe it as white, while others give it a horn, hard hooves that strike sparks from the ground, or tufts of hair around its feet. One northern tradition even claims that it can only be seen in profile while looking backward.
Despite its speed, the Songòmby’s long ears can hinder it when descending mountains by covering its eyes. Nevertheless, it remains an extraordinarily fast hunter. Some accounts claim that it can cross great distances almost instantly to reach its prey.
If a victim escapes by climbing a tree, the Songòmby patiently waits below. Some traditions say it attempts to trick the person into climbing down, while others claim it sprays urine or itchy hairs from its nostrils, causing the victim to lose their grip and fall into its jaws. It is said to wait all night if necessary.
Stories also describe methods for capturing the beast. One involved tying a child near the entrance of its den while hunters concealed a net above it, using the child’s cries to lure the Songòmby into the trap. The creature was also invoked to frighten misbehaving children. In one tale, parents jokingly offered their child to the Songòmby, only to discover that the monster had truly appeared and carried the child away to its cave.
The Songòmby is not invincible. One legend tells of a brave man who fought it throughout an entire night without being defeated. Another recounts how the hero Imbahitrila used two magical eggs from the angavola bird to make the beast stumble before killing it with his spear.
Closely related creatures include the Tokantòngotra or Tokandìa, a similar white, single-hoofed, man-eating beast that is somewhat smaller than the Songòmby but shares its great speed and nocturnal habits.
According to Malagasy tradition, when horses were first introduced to Madagascar, they were initially believed to be Songòmby until they eventually became known by the separate name soavaly.
Sources
A Book of Creatures. (2020, April 24). Songòmby. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://abookofcreatures.com/2020/04/24/songomby/