Dhegdheer: From Beauty to Banshee
Thanks for sharing the full manuscript! It’s a powerful retelling. Below is the formatted version with proper line breaks between chapters and polished for clarity and flow. It follows a clean layout suitable for self-publishing (e.g., Amazon KDP YA paperback), including standard spacing between chapters and paragraph formatting.
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Dhegdheer: From Beauty to Banshee
By Billie Jama
Sheekooyo, sheekooyo here aea
(Traditional Somali folktale opening)
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Chapter One: Dhegdheer’s Early Life and the Expectations Placed Upon Her
Long ago, in the Hargega Valley of Somalia, a child was born. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but one peculiar feature set her apart—an unusually long, pointed left ear. Her parents named her Dhegdheer, meaning “long ear.” She was the youngest of eight siblings—six brothers and one sister.
As she grew, Dhegdheer blossomed into a stunning young woman, admired across both sides of the Hargega Valley. The valley, a lush depression nestled between mountains, was divided by a narrow stream. Legend had it that only those free from sin could cross it.
All of Dhegdheer’s siblings were married. Now, at seventeen, it was her turn. Though nervous, Dhegdheer knew the expectations of a dutiful daughter. Her family adored her, much to the envy of her sister.
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Chapter Two: The Suitor and the Dowry
One day, a successful farmer named Bashir came from the far side of the valley, seeking Dhegdheer’s hand. Accompanied by his brother and ten camels as dowry, he crossed the stream—proving, some believed, his worthiness.
Bashir, tall and striking, was known for his agricultural skills and livestock trade. Yet, whispers of his bad character floated through the air. Dhegdheer’s father dismissed the rumors, reasoning that no sinful man could cross the stream.
After negotiation, it was agreed: ten camels upfront, and three more once Dhegdheer bore a male child. Bashir and his brother Abdi stayed the night in the family’s guest hut, where two of Dhegdheer’s brothers also slept.
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Chapter Three: A New Beginning
At dawn, after a hearty breakfast of suqaar and sabaayad, Bashir, Abdi, and Dhegdheer set off. Though sad to leave her home, Dhegdheer was eager for the future. Bashir had been kind and respectful.
As they crossed the stream, Dhegdheer glanced back, reflecting on her childhood. She had fetched water from that stream many times, always under the watchful eyes of her siblings. This was her first time crossing to the other side.
Hours later, they arrived at Bashir’s expansive ranch, filled with livestock. It was a new life.
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Chapter Four: Bashir’s True Nature and Dhegdheer’s Secret
A year passed. The rumors were true—Bashir was controlling and cruel. He forced Dhegdheer to labor endlessly, cleaning the house, barns, and outbuildings without help.
But Bashir didn’t know her secret.
Dhegdheer’s unusual ear wasn’t her only gift. She possessed incredible speed, an acute sense of smell, and immense strength. Her family had warned her: “Never show your powers to outsiders.”
Using her abilities in secret, Dhegdheer completed her chores quickly and spent afternoons by the stream, longing to return home.
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Chapter Five: Khat and Paranoia
Bashir spent most days at a local social club, chewing khat—a stimulant native to the region. With time, it clouded his judgment and fed his paranoia. Under its influence, he accused Dhegdheer of infidelity and became increasingly abusive.
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Chapter Six: Disappointment and Disgrace
After three more difficult years, the abuse continued. Though they had a daughter, Boodheer, Bashir wanted a male heir. He barely acknowledged his daughter and blamed Dhegdheer for his disappointment.
Dhegdheer couldn’t return home—leaving a husband without bearing a son would bring disgrace.
Ten years passed. Still no son.
Boodheer, now twelve, was tall like her father and powerful like her mother. She had inherited special abilities and could leap great distances. Dhegdheer taught her to keep these powers secret.
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Chapter Seven: Exile
One day, Bashir declared he was divorcing Dhegdheer and banishing her and Boodheer. Before they left, he gave them food, supplies, two goats, and a magical meat vessel—capable of preserving any meat and expanding in depth.
When Dhegdheer asked if he was a magician, Bashir replied, “How else do you think I crossed the stream?”
Too ashamed to return home, Dhegdheer and Boodheer journeyed to the remote mountains, avoiding people. They found shelter in a cave and began a life of solitude.
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Chapter Eight: A Feral Life
They adapted to the wild, using rainwater and only visiting the stream during droughts. Their powers kept them hidden. Over time, they became unkempt, growing hair for warmth. They hunted efficiently—preying on mountain goats, wolves, and eventually humans.
Cannibalism took root. They preyed on lost travelers, preserving the flesh in their enchanted vessel. Fear of Dhegdheer and Boodheer spread across the land.
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Chapter Nine: The Final Hunt
One hungry night, they returned to the stream. Dhegdheer smelled a man and his camel nearby. She pressed her ear to the ground and heard the soft steps.
They pursued the man. He fled on his camel, praying desperately. A voice from the stream called out, “You may cross if you are free from sin.”
The man crossed safely. Dhegdheer and Boodheer, ravenous and arrogant, tried to follow. The stream warned, “If you are not free from sin, I will swallow you whole.”
Ignoring the warning, they entered. The water consumed them.
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Chapter Ten: Peace Restored
The man watched in awe. News of their demise spread rapidly. The land, once desolate, became lush and vibrant again.
Songs echoed through the villages:
“Dhegdheer dhimatay, oo dhulkii nabad.”
Dhegdheer has died, the land is at peace.
“Boodheer dhimatay, oo dhulkii nabad.”
Boodheer has died, the land is at peace.
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