The yamamba-like characterıstıcs of “gagool” the old hag ın rıder haggard’s king solomon’s mınes

Abstract

Yamamba is an old hag who lives in the mountain or forest in Japanese creation myth. Yamamba’s most threatening characteristics are her avenging side and her fearful trait that cause terror mostly among men. Therefore, Yamamba is mostly known for her anthropophagus qualities that make her a terrifyingly evil woman. Based on this Japanese myth, it is also possible to see the same Yamamba-topos in Western literature. In Rider Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines (1885), Gagool the old hag also has Yamamba-like characteristics that not only does she live in the mountain as an evil force but also threatens men by causing calamities and producing monstrosities. Therefore, Gagool the old witch in Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines can be considered an evil woman having notorious Yamamba traits. In this study, Gagool’s Yamamba-like features will be scrutinized to discuss her dreadful existence as a devouring witch. It is also within the purpose of this study to illustrate how Eastern folklore influences Western literature greatly and plays a significant role in constructing a ravenous old woman image to deconstruct the male authority and power.