thumb|upright|Artist's depiction of a basajaun and his female companion, a basandere.
In Basque mythology, (, "Lord of the forest", plural: , female ) is a huge, hairy hominid dwelling in the woods. They were thought to protect flocks of livestock and teach skills such as agriculture and ironworking to humans.) is not really as good as wheat bread, and the shepherd would not have come if he knew the Basa-Jaun would be there). The Basa-Jaun admits the bargain is met and offers the advice: never take a night job for pay, one should sooner do it for free.