Traditionally, the
Hausas believed on divergent number of ways in which an individual might
acquire madness, or be mistaken as mad rather. It is beyond just the question
of spiritually possessed by jinn(s). Hence, that is the most recognized of all
causes of mental break down among the Hausas. However, factors such as depression,
marital controversies, economic conflicts, indignation, ire, rage, fury, wrath,
phobia, and/or physical illness may present and individual
as mad. Therefore, madness is simply unintentional violation of societal norms,
reasoning or normal action that might be caused by suggest, desire or intent to
revenge and action or being treated unfairly. This is evident in various Hausa folktales.
This paper explores the instances and causes of madness from Hausa folktales
with the view to showcase the believe of the Hausas on the causes of madness. The
data (instances of madness) are collected from various Hausa folktales to show
instances of various forms of mental trouble. Furthermore, the paper accounts
for measures adapted by the Hausas in dealing with these social and/or
psychological problems. The paper learnt that, madness is caused by several
factors and not only spiritual. It therefore offers some suggestions as panacea
to such mental disorder. One of such is to understand the cause of such mental
disorder; another is administrative procedures or communicative processes,
depending on the scenario and the issue at hand.
Key words: mad, madness, mental
trouble, Hausa, folklore, culture
