Meaning of Egbere

In Yoruba folklore, Egbere (Egbére) is a diminutive, ethereal being that adds a touch of mystery and magic to the stories of the land. Residing in the remote bushes and hidden corners of the forest, the Egbere is often depicted as a short, shadowy figure draped in a simple mat that it eternally clutches. Unlike most creatures of the bush, Egbere possesses a certain melancholy, as it is said to be constantly weeping.

The origins of the Egbere are cloaked in legends. Some say that long ago, it was once a wealthy individual who lived in a grand house with riches beyond imagination. However, after becoming greedy and selfish, the gods punished this person, transforming them into the Egbere, destined to wander the wilderness forever with only a mat as their companion.

According to popular belief, the mat that Egbere carries is imbued with powerful magic and is said to grant immense wealth to anyone who dares to seize it. The stories tell of brave souls who have encountered the Egbere in the bush, seizing the mat during its moment of vulnerability. With the mat in their possession, these individuals often find their fortunes turning, as opportunities for wealth and prosperity flow into their lives like a river.

However, the Egbere’s sorrow does not end there. Each night, after losing the mat, the creature returns to weep outside the home of the fortune-seeker, its mournful cries echoing through the stillness of the night. The sound is haunting, a reminder of the pain and longing felt by the Egbere for its lost treasure. As the nights go on, the weeping becomes more desperate, yet the individual, now wealthy, often ignores the ethereal creature's pleas—caught up in the material gains that have come their way.

Eventually, as more nights pass with no sign of returning the mat, the Egbere's cries grow fainter, until it disappears completely, resigning itself to its fate. The folklore teaches a valuable lesson: while wealth can provide comfort and luxury, it often comes at a cost. Those who ignore their moral obligations or disregard the feelings of others—even an enigmatic creature like the Egbere—may find their hearts eventually filled with regret and loneliness, as material wealth often cannot fill the void left by lost compassion.

In this way, the tale of the Egbere serves not only as a cautionary narrative but also as a reminder of the balance between wealth and empathy. After all, true wealth is not merely found in riches but in the relationships we nurture and the kindness we extend to those around us, even the most mythical of beings.

See also 'Kure Kure'.