Gushan

The Ħautar delûr believe in the existence of the Gushan (Ħautkar: Guṣan mêxiʔ, lit. "Gushan being", [ˈgu.ʂɑn ˈmɨː.xiʔ]). The Gushan is described differently in different places. It has only two permanent characteristics: it is malevolent and it is old. In some parts of the Ħâtik lands, she is an old woman, aged over three hundred years, in others, an old man who walks with a pointed cane. In yet other places, the Gushan is described as androgynous.

The etymology of the name Guṣan is not really known, but it is thought by many Ħautar delûr to be related to the verb gûṣuṭ 'to lie, deceive', although it is more likely that it is related to guṭaiar 'rags'.

Typically, the Gushan travels around the wilderness beyond the river-valleys. The Gushan is not capable of crossing rivers. If they carry a pointed cane, they will usually be depicted as using it to blind any people they come upon. The Gushan will eat whatever dead people they come across, but take an especial taste in the eyes, which the Gushan usually lacks. What the Gushan has instead of eyes is a bit unclear; sometimes their brow is just over-extended, sometimes the eyes are just described as iaiafanêtmûħa 'wrinkled in on themselves', often all that is mentioned is that there are no eyes. The Gushan thus attains sight through the perception of those whose eyes they have eaten.

For these reasons, the Ħautar delûr stay close to their river valleys, and the sacred spaces on the mountains. If they go to places thought to be inhabited by the Gushan, they make sure to bring some offering for them, usually a fresh cheese, which is prized by the Gushan because it has no livestock to get cheese from otherwise.