Tradition: Madagascar Mythology
Alternative names: Tsy-aomby-aomby, Tsy-aomby-aomby
Category: Cow
The Myth
Tsi-aumbi-aumbi is a bloodthirsty, man-eating bull from the folklore of Madagascar. Despite its bull-like body, it has no horns and possesses unusual speed and cunning, using tricks to hunt and overpower people.
The Tsi-aumbi-aumbi has a body like a bull, but its head is hornless and its hooves resemble those of a horse rather than a cloven-hoofed animal. It inhabits the forests and surroundings of Mahavelona. It is herbivorous, insectivorous, and anthropophagous, eating grass, insects, and people.
The creature is exceptionally fast. When a person sees it and believes the animal is far enough away, the Tsi-aumbi-aumbi can suddenly reach them almost immediately.
When attacking a person, it initially pursues them until they become exhausted. If its victim attempts to escape by climbing a tree, the Tsi-aumbi-aumbi uses various tricks to force them back down. If these fail, it tears through the surrounding undergrowth with a powerful stream of urine.
People attempting to escape by holding onto the branches and letting go when the creature approaches are also deceived. The Tsi-aumbi-aumbi waits for them to lose their balance and fall, allowing it to catch and devour them.
Sources
“Tsi-Aumbi-Aumbi.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed August 30, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/tsi-aumbi-aumbi
