Sigil
For this reason, many Basque households traditionally kept a black billy goat to ensure their animals' well-being. On the other hand, Akerbeltz is also associated with darker elements of folklore, particularly as the leader of witches' sabbaths, known as Akelarre.
These gatherings, often depicted as sinister, were believed to take place in remote pasturelands, and Akerbeltz was portrayed as the central figure who commanded witches and presided over their rituals.
Historically, Akerbeltz's image was co-opted by Christian authorities who associated him with the devil, contributing to the widespread witch hunts in the region, particularly during the 17th century. His image became linked with evil, and those accused of witchcraft were often believed to be in league with Akerbeltz.
In addition to his mythological attributes, Akerbeltz is often depicted with specific objects that carry symbolic meaning. He bears a "sonnaille," a bell typically used for sheep, emphasizing his role as a protector of livestock.
He is thus commonly associated with elements of pastoral life, so I took the liberty to add a traditional Basque walking stick or cane called "Makila" -symbol of authority & respect-, although there is no clear evidence of such consistent depictions.
Akerbeltz's multifaceted nature—both protective and fearsome—reflects the complexities of Basque folklore, where he is revered as both a guardian of the natural world and a figure tied to darker, more mysterious forces
