Behemoth (Master and Margarita)

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Behemoth the Cat (Russian: кот Бегемот) is a character from the novel The Master and Margarita by the Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov. He is an enormous (said to be as large as a hog) demonic black cat who speaks, walks on two legs, and can even transform to human shape for brief periods. He has a penchant for chess, vodka, pistols, and obnoxious sarcasm. He is evidently the least-respected member of Woland's entourage; Margarita boldly takes to slapping Behemoth on the head after one of his many ill-timed jokes, without fear of retribution. He is known for his jokes, which he never stops telling. The Russian word begemot also means hippopotamus; however, his name refers to the legendary Biblical monster.

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