The Adze is a supernatural creature from the mythology and folklore of the Ewe people of Togo and Ghana in West Africa. It is described as a vampiric spirit or entity that feeds on the blood of children and has the ability to shape-shift into various forms, particularly insects like fireflies or mosquitoes. The Adze is notorious for its ability to slip through the smallest openings and attack its victims undetected. It is deeply intertwined with witchcraft, disease, and misfortune, and its legend has evolved over time due to cultural and religious influences.

Origins

The belief in the Adze has existed for centuries among the Ewe people, one of the prominent ethnic groups of Togo, Ghana, and Benin. While the exact timeline of its origins remains unclear, it is thought that the legend developed as an explanation for mysterious illnesses and deaths, particularly those caused by mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.

As Christian missionaries arrived in West Africa during the 19th century, the concept of the Adze underwent significant transformation. Under colonial influence, the creature merged with Christian demonology, evolving from a feared supernatural predator to a symbol of witchcraft, possession, and moral corruption.

Historically, accusations of being an Adze or being possessed by one were often directed at individuals, particularly women, who were believed to harbor jealousy, infertility, or unusual behavior. These accusations sometimes led to social ostracization and exorcism rituals.

Appearance

The Adze has two primary forms depending on its state of activity:

1. Insect Form

• The Adze most commonly appears as a firefly, mosquito, or fly.
• In this form, it can slip through cracks, keyholes, or under doors, making it almost impossible to keep out.
• It feeds by biting its victims, often without leaving visible marks.

2. Human Form

• When captured, the Adze reverts to a human shape, often described as a tribesman or tribeswoman.
• Some versions of the legend state that when forced out of its insect form, it transforms into a hunchbacked creature with talons and jet-black skin.
• In human form, the Adze retains magical abilities, including possession and mind control.

In some accounts, the Adze is not a distinct creature but rather a human sorcerer who has willingly become possessed by an Adze spirit. These individuals can shapeshift at will and possess powers that they use to their advantage, making them dangerous members of the community.

Abilities & Behavior

The Adze is both a predator and a parasite, using its supernatural abilities to sustain itself and spread chaos.

Feeding Habits

• The Adze has a preference for children, particularly infants.
• It can sustain itself on palm oil and coconut water, but it grows weak if deprived of human blood for too long.
• When unable to feed, it enters a frenzied state, attacking indiscriminately.

Effects on Victims

• Victims of an Adze attack may suffer from mysterious illness, weakness, and eventual death.
• Survivors often become possessed or cursed, leading to insanity, misfortune, or social alienation.
• The Adze’s bite was historically believed to be incurable, linking it to spiritual corruption and demonic influence.

Possession & Witchcraft

• The Adze is capable of possessing humans, turning them into living vampires or witches.
• In Ewe culture, individuals accused of jealousy, infertility, or unusual behavior were often suspected of being Adze hosts.
• Some human sorcerers voluntarily bind themselves to an Adze spirit to gain magical powers and shapeshifting abilities.

Weaknesses & Defenses

Unlike traditional vampires, the Adze is not repelled by sunlight, holy symbols, or traditional weapons. It is immune to most protective measures, making it an extremely difficult entity to combat.

Capturing the Adze

• The only known method to defeat an Adze is to capture it in its insect form and force it to revert to human shape.
• Once in human form, the Adze loses its supernatural abilities and can be killed like a normal person.
• However, catching an Adze is incredibly difficult, as it is both fast and elusive.

Exorcism & Rituals

• In the post-Christian era, deliverance rituals and exorcisms became the primary method of combating suspected Adze possessions.
• These sessions often involved vigorous prayer, fasting, and community intervention.
• Some believe that the only way to truly destroy an Adze spirit is through intensive religious purification ceremonies.

Preventative Measures

• There is no known way to block an Adze from entering a home, but some stories suggest that keeping a steady supply of palm oil and coconut water may help distract or satisfy the creature.
• Setting traps to catch the Adze in its insect form is another strategy, though it is rarely successful.

Cultural Significance

The Adze legend plays a significant role in West African folklore, shaping the way people perceive witchcraft, disease, and misfortune.

Connection to Malaria & Disease

• Scholars believe the Adze legend was likely a folkloric explanation for malaria, which has long plagued tropical regions of Africa.
• The fact that the Adze takes the form of mosquito-like insects and is known to cause sickness and death reinforces this theory.

Colonial Influence & Christian Demonization

• With the arrival of European missionaries, the Adze was reinterpreted through a Christian lens, becoming associated with Satan, witchcraft, and demonic possession.
• Adze attacks were increasingly linked to moral failings, jealousy, and social deviance.
• Exorcism and religious rituals replaced traditional Ewe methods of dealing with suspected Adze victims.

Witchcraft Accusations & Gender Bias

• Women were disproportionately accused of being possessed by an Adze, particularly if they displayed jealousy, infertility, or rebellious behavior.
• Similar to the European witch trials, these accusations led to ostracization, persecution, and sometimes violent exorcisms.

Modern Beliefs & Legacy

Even in contemporary West Africa, belief in the Adze persists in some regions. Many people still attribute unexplained illnesses, bad luck, and possessions to this ancient creature.

Some individuals who were interviewed about the Adze refused to speak further after having nightmares or feeling uneasy, reflecting the deep cultural fear surrounding this legend.

While the Adze remains a cryptid of folklore, its legacy continues to influence spiritual practices, superstitions, and cultural narratives in Togo and Ghana today.

Similar Creatures in African Mythology

The Adze shares characteristics with several other African supernatural beings, such as:

• Obayifo (Ghana, Benin) – A vampiric sorcerer that drains life energy.
• Asanbosam (Ashanti, Ghana) – A tree-dwelling vampire with iron teeth.
• Impundulu (Southern Africa) – A shape-shifting, blood-drinking lightning bird.

Each of these creatures reflects the rich and complex traditions of African folklore, reinforcing the deep cultural connections between disease, supernatural entities, and spirituality