Datu
Datu (Coastal Jutean IPA: [dɐtu], "beast"), known in Samwati as Skm Trz (Samwati IPA: [ʃkm tʀts], "Ruler of the Ether") and in River Jutean as Sekeem Texes [River Jutean IPA: [seke:n texes]) are large mythical lizards. Originally from Samwati_mythology, they were adopted by Jutic cultures by the 6th or 7th century CE and have since become some of the most well-known mythological beings of the confederation.
Appearance
The Samwati traditionally describe them as a large, semi-transparent black lizards with four feet, two giant bat-like wings and scales all covering their entire body. This is also present in River Jutean mythology. The more widespread depiction that appears in Coastal Jutean mythology is however that of hybrid creatures that have elements of both giant lizards and the onikesat, the giant cursorial owl. The general body shape is that of a lizard with a scaly back and tail that is sometimes horned, whereas the head, belly and wings (two or four) are feathered and resemble those of an owl, as are the the clawed feet.
Abilities
In all traditions, the creatures are blind, but have a very keen sense of hearing and smell.
Home
The creatures are said to be living in the ether in Samwati mythology, the plane of existence between the mortal world and the afterlife, while in River Jutean they live alongside other spirits in Lake Jehaadufi. In Coastal Jutean mythology their home is the immaterial space that exists as a realm of transition between the sphere of the natural world and the sphere of ideas.
In popular culture
The Coastal Jutean adaptation of the lizards prominently appear in the novel Datu.