In Basque mythology, (also , , , ) is the male half of a pre-Christian Basque deity associated with storms and thunder. He is normally imagined as a dragon or serpent. Unlike his female consort, , there are very few remaining legends about . The basic purpose of his existence is to periodically join with in the mountains to generate the storms. In one myth seduces a Scottish princess in the village of Mundaka to father the mythical first Lord of Biscay, Jaun Zuria. This legend is believed to be a fabrication made to legitimize the Lordship of Biscay as a separate state from Navarre, because there is no historical account of such a lord. Only the fact that the delegates of Mundaka were attributed with the formal privilege of being the first to vote in the (Parliament) of the province may look as unlikely indication of the partial veracity of this legend. Etymology The name is derived from (serpent) and (male), thus "male serpent". The suggestions of a formation based on (fire) and (flame), thus yielding "flame of fire" are considered folk etymology. , another name of the same deity, has two possible interpretations, either a + (former, "old serpent") or + ("high fire"). There is no likely etymology for the third name of this god, . Local legends on In Ataun he is said to have two homes: in the caves of and . He is said to have been witnessed crossing the sky in form of fire-sickle, what is considered presage of storms. In this area is also said that punishes the children that disobey their parents. In Azkoitia is clearly identified with . He meets on Fridays (the day of the akelarre or sabbat), conceiving then the storms. In Betelu is known as and considered a demon. There they say that he travels through the sky in the shape of a fireball, between the mountains Balerdi and Elortalde. See also Herensuge (Basque dragon) References Basque mythology Basque and Iberian deities Sky and weather gods Thunder gods European dragons Basque legendary creatures