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Adze
A vampire that takes the form of a firefly. It enters huts at night to drink blood. If caught, it transforms into a human—but then possesses its captor. The Adze cannot be stopped.
Ancient - Present
West Africa (Ghana, Togo)
500+ witnesses
The Adze is a vampire-like creature from the folklore of the Ewe people of West Africa.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Adze:
- Takes the form of a firefly
- Enters homes at night
- Drinks blood of sleeping victims
- If captured, becomes human
- Then possesses the captor
Description
In its forms:
- Firefly: glowing, small, fast
- Human form: ordinary looking
- Can be anyone
- Often a witch or sorcerer
- Targeting children especially
Behavior
The Adze:
- Slips through cracks as a firefly
- Drinks blood through proboscis
- Causes sickness and death
- Targets children preferentially
- Can spread disease
The Trap
If you catch an Adze firefly:
- It immediately transforms human
- It possesses you
- You become the new Adze
- There is no way to win
- Best to leave it alone
Protection
To guard against the Adze:
- Protective charms
- Prayers and rituals
- Traditional healers
- Avoiding the attention of witches