Tradition: Somali Mythology
Alternative Names: Dhegdheer, Degdheer, Xayawada, Jeger
Category: Forest dweller
The Myth
Degder is a terrifying female cannibal from Somali mythology, appearing as a tall, powerful woman with long, donkey-like ears, extremely long arms, and sharp claws. Her ears are so sensitive that she can hear the footsteps of her prey from many kilometres away. She has blood-red eyes, keen vision, and an exceptionally strong sense of smell, allowing her to detect humans and animals from a great distance. Despite her enormous size and strength, Degder is remarkably fast and can run quickly in pursuit of her victims. Her voice resembles a roaring hurricane, and her immense weight makes her movements thunderous, although her speed gives her prey little time to escape.
Degder is feared as a man-eating monster who hunts people and devours their flesh. She is especially dangerous to children and travellers who wander into her territory. Despite her monstrous nature, some stories describe her as having once been a beautiful young girl. In one tale, she becomes engaged to a man named Gardere, whose name means “long-bearded.” After they marry and begin raising a family, Degder reveals her true nature by eating her own children. Gardere eventually discovers her secret and flees, but Degder pursues him. He manages to escape by cutting off her long donkey-like ears, depriving her of her extraordinary hearing and weakening her ability to track her prey.
Degder also appears in stories about children who disobey their parents or violate important conditions. In one tale, she becomes the stepmother of a child whose father has remarried. When the child discovers her true identity, she begins to hunt the family. Other tales describe children being punished for breaking promises or failing to follow instructions, with Degder pursuing them when they enter her territory. She is particularly associated with forested areas and places where her victims may become lost. Her extraordinary hearing, speed, and appetite for human flesh make her one of the most feared monsters in Somali mythology.
Sources
“Degder.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed October 12, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/Degder