Hoop-Snakes

The Ora-Bora, or Hoop-Snake, is a creature of the Downunderworld. It is a snake which puts its tail in its mouth, and flexes its muscles to form a rigid hoop. It can thus roll like a hoop after its prey, especially if the wind and slope of the land are favourable. The disadvantage of this ability is that, in times of great hunger, the beast may begin to eat itself, getting smaller and smaller until it disappears entirely.