Bukwus the Wild Man of the Woods (Kwakwaka'wakw)

myth · United States · North American

Bukwus is the male counterpart of D'Sonoqua, the Wild Man of the Woods in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology. He is a hairy, giant being who lives in the deep forests and is associated with the spirits of those who died by starvation or exposure. Bukwus roams the woods calling out in a hollow voice, trying to lure humans into the forest with promises of food. He is particularly dangerous because he appears as a starving, pitiful figure who begs for help, but anyone who follows him becomes lost forever and joins his ghostly company. Unlike D'Sonoqua, who is more easily outwitted, Bukwus is treacherous and

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