Bauk (mythology)

Bauk (Serbian: Баук, Serbian pronunciation: [bauk]) is an animal-like mythical creature in Serbian mythology.[1] The bauk is described as hiding in dark places, holes, or abandoned houses, waiting to grab, carry away, and devour its victim; but it can be scared away by light and noise.[1] It has a clumsy gait (bauljanje), and its onomatopea is bau (Serbian pronunciation: [bau]).[1]

Interpretation of the bauk's attributes leads to the conclusion that the bauk is actually a description of real bears,[1] which were already regionally extinct in some parts of Serbia and known only as legend.[1] The word "bauk" was initially used as a hypocorism.[1]

Bauk is used as the translation for goblin in Serbian editions of works of J. R. R. Tolkien, first translated by Mary and Milan Milišić.[2] Bauk is also used as the translation for the Imp in the Serbian edition of A Song of Ice and Fire series, translated by Nikola Pajvančić.[3] It's also used as the Croatian translation for Boggart in the Harry Potter book series.

See also

References
  1. Kulišić, Špiro (1970). "Баук". In Kulišić, Špiro; Petrović, Petar Ž.; Pantelić, Nikola (eds.). Српски митолошки речник (in Serbian). Belgrade: Nolit. p. 20.
  2. Tolkien, J. R. R. (1986). Hobit [The Hobbit] (in Serbian). Translated by Meri Milišić; Milan Milišić. Belgrade: Nolit. p. 65. ISBN 86-19-00897-8. COBISS.SR 31269383.
  3. Martin, G. R. R. (2003). Igra prestola [A Game of Thrones] (in Serbian). Translated by Nikola Pajvančić. Belgrade: Laguna. p. 37, corresponding to page 34 (beginning of chapter "Eddard") of an English edition. ISBN 86-7436-099-8. COBISS.SR 107207180.
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