Nadubi

The Nadubi are creatures from Australian myth of the Aboriginal people. This creature isn’t thought to have any associated myths. All information comes from prehistoric paintings and oral tradition. They’re described as evil spirits and are extra intimidating to locals. A Nadubi woman is depicted in a bark painting from the Oenpelli territory. Depictions suggest that they are similar to creatures called the Mimi, and the term “Mamandi” is sometimes used to describe them. They have stingray-like barbs coming from the joints. Specifically, spikes come from the elbows, knees, wrists, head, and from the vulva in the case of women. The barbs are magical and can be shot invisibly at humans. If others know someone is jabbed, they immediately contact the medicine man to remove the spine. Medicine men can sometimes save them, but more often this fails. They sneak up on Aboriginals traveling alone or drinking from their springs. They are often depicted with upturned legs. They’re thought to live at the base of the Arnhem Land Plateau. They live in the low scrub surrounding springs and hunt in the desert at night. They are thought to be ravenously hungry, but cannot make fire, so everything they eat is raw. Often, they steal honey from baskets and meat hung in trees by natives. When hungry enough, they even eat the fat spilled on campfire ashes. They’re never seen, but can be heard grunting in the dark.

Citations:

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Butor, Michel. Letters from the Antipodes. Greece, Ohio University Press, 1981. 

Edwards, Robert. Australian Aboriginal Art: The Art of the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern Territory. Austria, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, 1979.

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Mack, Carol K., and Mack, Dinah. A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits. United States, Henry Holt and Company, 1999.

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