Among the mythological figures linked to the land (lur) and with more presence in the country Basque, stands out MARI, located above the other geniuses. It is known by several names such as MAYA, LEZEKO-ANDRE and LOANA-GORRI. Depending on the region, the name is linked to the mountain or the place it is supposed to inhabit. For example, BASKO-MARI (Husband of the forest), ARALARKO DAMEA (the Lady of ARALAR) or ANBOTOKO SORGIÑA (the witch of ANBOTO).
The goddess Mari
It lives underground, in the caves or caverns of great mountains, surrounded by riches, moving from time to time outside through the peaks and other underground conduits. Once outside, she moves through the air, visiting her various homes in various locations in the mountains. Basque.
As a female, Mari can stand out in various ways: one of the most common is that of being a very beautiful and very elegant woman. In its underground dwellings, it is common for it to show part of its limbs in animal form (goat's or bird's foot) or for its entire face to be zoomorphic (young bull, mare, etc.). On the other hand, outside, when traveling through the air, she is seen surrounded by fire in the form of a reddish cloud or gust of wind.
Mari lives underground, connected to the surface via precipices, wells and caverns. It is said that one day, a priest from Mugiro (Navarra) was going to celebrate a mass in the same territory as Mari. If Mari was there during mass, it didn't hail all year round in the place. But Mari was not always a source of fear; people frequently sought her advice and she always responded correctly.
Once, in the forge of Iraeta (Gipuzkoa), unable to start his forge, the blacksmith headed towards the cave of Mari in Anboto. After explaining her problems to him, she solved the problem, leaving the blacksmith very satisfied.
She is said to be the queen of the remnants of the genies, being related with MAJU (also identified as HERENSUGE or SUGAAR (the male serpent) who is her companion and generating storms when they meet. They also have children two daughters who, in some places, are sons (Mikelats and Atarrabi).
One of Mari's main occupations is the time she devotes to spreading storms against which offerings must be made (sheep or other animal, coins, etc.) which will help avoid these disasters. In addition, it is possible to invoke her to obtain favors and, including, visit her in her home, always respecting certain rules and behaviors. Death legends, it appears that Mari is implacable with liars, the proud, thieves and with those who do not practice mutual aid and solidarity between humans, punishing them with various formulas.
One of the best known Deities is the AKER (goat) and in particular the AKERBELTZ (black goat). One of his abilities was to have a beneficial influence on the livestock placed under his protection. He acquired a great reputation within witchcraft, for his presidency and his worship in the “Akelarre” celebrated in various regions of the Basque Country. The best known of the ceremonies remains that of the witches' cave in Zugarramurdi (Labourd) because of the equally famous “witch trial”.
The typical genius with an underground character in the shape of a snake, with one or more heads, is called Herensuge, Sugaar or Sugoi (pronounced Herenshougué, shougar, Sugoi).
It feeds on animals and humans, emerging surrounded by flames. As we said above, he is Mari's companion. There are several versions of Herensuge's death. In Labourd, it is said that he was killed by Gaston De Belzunce but the most widespread version is that which places the death of Herensuge in the old San Miguel de Aralar sanctuary. He succumbed to the blows dealt by San Miguel, following a request from Teodisio de Goñi.
It is said that after this event, a church was raised, above the cave from which Herensuge emerged. There is still a small window on the right side of the main altar which, it is said, leads into the interior of the cavern. People place their heads, reciting a creed, for the cure of headaches.
There are a whole host of geniuses who come in animal forms like ZEZENGORRI (red bull) and BEIGORRY (red cow), dedicated to guarding caves and other semi-mysterious surroundings.
