Semien Mountains

Folklore

An old folklore superstition from the Semien mountains regarding certain trees called Genwarar was documented in Nathaniel Pearce's early 19th century journal. The Genwarar trees are seldom above eight feet in height, and from a distance could give the appearance or shape of a human being. The people would never cut these trees, owing to a superstitious belief that something bad would befall them as a consequence. Local traditions say the trees contain evil spirits, which have been cast out of human beings, and are harmless when not disturbed, however, when a tree is cut, the spirits enter a person out of vengeance, but in general not to those who cut them down. Aside from this, the trees produces a milky substance, which is used for ink, for the purpose of writing charms, to be worn on any part of the body as a cure for those possessed by evil spirits, and to prevent their entering those who are not previously tormented with them. The milk of the genwarar was also used in the treatment of lingering sickness.