Horem (2)

Horem The Hurah, which is accepted by Conder (Tent Work, 2:337) and Tristram (Bible Places, page 274), but not by Saunders (O.T. Map), as the representative of this ancient site, is written Khurbet el-Kurah on the Ordnance Map, three and a half miles north-west from Yarfn (Iron), and so.in the accompanying Memnoirs (1:242), "heaps of stones and cisterns, on a small tell [mound]; a birkeh [pool] in the valley." This last authority suggests (1:205) "the present ruin Harah" whichis laid down at two miles south-east of Tibnln, and described (ibid. 118) as "heaps of small unhewn stones, with two olive-presses and a spring at the ruin;" an identification not adopted by Saunders. Horey, in the mythology of the negroes in East Africa, was a demon, having a resemblance to the devil, whose image probably reached Abyssinia through the Christians. Those people practise circumcision in the thirteenth or fourteenth year. Before the youths are thus dedicated they are exposed to the persecution of this evil spirit, who manifests his presence by a dull, deep howl or cry. As soon as this cry is heard, victuals are prepared and placed under a tree. They are always found to have been eaten. If the food does not suffice, Horey steals a boy and devours him, keeping him in his stomach until more food is brought, whereupon he gives him up again. Many negroes affirm that they have been ten or twelve days in the stomach of this monster.