A vampiric being, the Adze is deeply rooted in the folklore of the Ewe people, an ethnic group predominantly found in Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This mythical creature, often depicted as a firefly or mosquito, possesses the ability to transform into a human form and is associated with dark and malevolent powers.

According to Ewe folklore, the origin of the Adze can be traced back to a curious and sinister event. It is believed that certain individuals, primarily women, are born with the ability to transform into the Adze. This transformation occurs when a person possesses a particular mark on their body, usually in the form of a small red bump or spot. This mark serves as an indication that the person has been chosen or cursed to become an Adze.

The transformation of an Adze typically takes place during the nighttime when the individual sheds their human form and assumes the shape of a firefly or mosquito. In this form, they possess the power to fly long distances, often seeking out victims to feed upon. The Adze is known to drink the blood of its victims, causing illness, weakness, and sometimes even death.

The Adze is also believed to have the ability to possess other humans, causing them to exhibit abnormal behavior and become feverish. It is said that an Adze can enter homes through small openings, such as keyholes or cracks, to prey on sleeping individuals. To protect themselves from these malevolent creatures, the Ewe people often employ various preventive measures, such as applying substances like coconut oil on the body or hanging protective charms in their homes.

Legend has it that the Adze has a close association with witches and witchcraft. It is believed that the transformation into an Adze occurs during witch gatherings, where individuals undergo rituals that grant them their supernatural abilities. These witches then form an intricate network, with the Adze acting as their emissaries, collecting blood and causing havoc within the community.

The Adze’s existence is a source of fear and caution within Ewe society. They are seen as dangerous and malevolent beings, capable of inflicting harm and misery on unsuspecting individuals. However, stories of the Adze also serve as a cautionary tale, warning against curiosity and the pursuit of dark powers.

Today, while the belief in the Adze continues to persist among some members of the Ewe community, the rise of modernization and the spread of Christianity and Islam have led to a decline in belief in such mythical creatures. Nonetheless, the Adze remains an intriguing and significant figure in Ewe folklore, representing the fears and supernatural beliefs of the past.

Etymology

The origin of the word “adze” can be traced back to Old English, specifically the Old English word “adesa” or “adese.” The term “adze” has its roots in Germanic languages, with cognates found in other Germanic languages such as Old High German “adasa” and Old Norse “öx” or “öxi.” The word ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic *adusōną, which means “hewing tool” or “axe.”

In its original usage, an adze referred to a cutting tool similar to an axe but with a curved blade perpendicular to the handle. It was commonly used in woodworking for shaping and smoothing wood surfaces, particularly in tasks such as carving, hewing, or shaping beams. The adze had a long history of use in various cultures around the world for a range of purposes, including shipbuilding, construction, and crafting.

The term “adze” has been adopted and adapted by different cultures, including the Ewe people in West Africa, who use the word “adze” to refer to a mythical creature in their folklore. Despite the shared name, the tool and the mythical creature are unrelated in their origins and meanings, representing two distinct concepts.

Habitat

The Adze is believed to dwell in specific locations associated with darkness and mystery. These mythical creatures are said to inhabit sacred trees, dense forests, and secluded areas, often near bodies of water such as rivers or swamps. The Adze is particularly known for residing in baobab trees, which are considered sacred in Ewe culture and hold significant spiritual importance.

The choice of such habitats aligns with the nocturnal nature of the Adze, as they are believed to transform into mosquitoes or fireflies to embark on their blood-drinking activities during the night. The darkness and seclusion of their habitats provide them with the cover and secrecy they need to carry out their malevolent deeds without being easily detected.

Special Skills

The Adze is believed to possess a range of special skills and abilities. These abilities are attributed to their supernatural nature and vampiric characteristics. 

• Shapeshifting: The Adze is said to have the power to transform from their human form into that of a mosquito or firefly. This shapeshifting ability allows them to fly and move unnoticed through the night, enabling them to access their victims and feed on their blood.
• Blood Consumption: As vampiric beings, the Adze have an insatiable thirst for blood. They are believed to feed on the blood of humans, causing weakness, illness, and even death in their victims. Their ability to extract and consume blood is central to their identity as vampiric creatures.
• Possession: The Adze is said to have the ability to possess individuals, particularly during their nocturnal activities. When possessed by an Adze, a person may exhibit abnormal behavior, become feverish, or fall ill. This possession is believed to be a means through which the Adze exerts influence and causes harm within the community.
• Supernatural Strength and Speed: The Adze is often depicted as possessing enhanced physical abilities. They are believed to possess strength and speed beyond that of an ordinary human, allowing them to swiftly carry out their attacks or escape from danger.
• Magical Powers: In some variations of Ewe folklore, the Adze is associated with witchcraft and is believed to possess magical powers. These powers may include casting spells, invoking curses, or manipulating elements for their benefit or to harm others.