Asoonah

Overview

Brown describes Asoonah as a huge skin-covered thing whose arrival can sink a place. It visits three children daily, asking where their mother, household food and utensils are. The children eventually tell their mother about the incomprehensible visitor, and their father waits in the kitchen loft with a gun to see it.

The creature’s approach frightens him into hiding. He later shoots as it reaches a gully; it falls and breaks its neck. A king offers a reward to anyone who can identify what has been brought in. A poorly clothed boy overhears an older woman referring to Asoonah’s skin and then correctly names it before the king. The conclusion rewards his recognition with money, clothes and employment rather than another fight.

Origins & earliest records

Martha Warren Beckwith published this account in Jamaica Anansi Stories (1924), explicitly credited to Philipp Brown, Mandeville. Her preface dates the collection visits to summer1919 and winter1921; a particular interview date is not supplied here. The published witness does not establish the first oral telling.

Records & interpretation

The entire short story75 was read. Its anatomy is deliberately left limited: the source does not identify the being as a dragon, giant snake or ordinary species. The naming episode and the preceding encounter belong to one story, not separate creatures.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Jamaica Anansi Stories

   Martha Warren Beckwith; music recorded by Helen H. Roberts · 1924

   Story75, Asoonah, printed p.86. Complete selected narrative read, with teller heading and preface.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary textBeckwith1924: Story75, Asoonah, printed p.86.Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.