Sigil
Traditionally, Gaueko was viewed as a malevolent force, punishing those who ventured out at night or defied societal norms, serving as a reminder to respect the dangers of the dark.
It was a symbol of the unpredictability and potential malevolence that could lurk unseen, reinforcing the natural world's dominance over humans.
In modern interpretations, Gaueko has evolved beyond its original fearsome role. Some view it as a guardian of the night, representing the natural order and the need to respect nature's power.
It also symbolizes the subconscious mind, where hidden fears and anxieties emerge during the night when the conscious mind is less active.
To capture both its fearsome and fascinating aspects, I have depicted a more whimsical interpretation that presents Gaueko in a "deer-esque form.
This version features majestic antlers and the iconic glowing eyes, blending the primal fear of the unknown with an eerie beauty.
As a shapeshifter, one can think of Gaueko’s forms are as elusive as shadows in the forest, playing on the human tendency for pareidolia—where the mind sees familiar shapes in the darkness.
This deer-like form is just one of the many guises I imagine Gaueko assuming.
