Place of Origin: Southern Africa
Origin Date: Ancient times, specific date unknown
Domain: Creation, trickery, teaching
Symbols: Praying mantis, eland
Attributes: Shape-shifting, creation, trickery
Epithets: Mantis
Equivalents: None
Religion: San religion
Sacred Texts: Oral traditions and myths
Iconography: Depicted as a praying mantis or eland in rock art
Relations: Husband of ǀHúnntuǃattǃatte̥n, father of ǃXo (Porcupine)
Description
ǀKágge̥n (often rendered as Cagn) is the central figure in the mythology of the San people, revered as a trickster god and demiurge. A shapeshifter, ǀKágge̥n commonly takes the form of a praying mantis but is also known to appear as other animals, such as an eland, caterpillar, or snake. This reflects his mastery over transformation and his deep connection to the natural world.
In San myths, ǀKágge̥n embodies dualities—creator and destroyer, wise and foolish, helper and deceiver. He is credited with creating animals, humans, and natural elements, though his actions often carry humorous or unpredictable consequences. One of his most famous creations, the eland, is central to many San rituals and embodies harmony and sustenance.
As a trickster, ǀKágge̥n challenges the established order, using his cunning to navigate the world’s complexities and often teaching moral lessons in the process. His family, including his wife ǀHúnntuǃattǃatte̥n (Coti), daughter ǃXo (Porcupine), and grandson Ichneumon, play significant roles in his stories, reflecting the interconnected nature of San spirituality.
Through ǀKágge̥n, the San people's animistic worldview is brought to life, illustrating their reverence for the intricate balance of nature, community, and spiritual forces.
Narratives
The Creation of the Eland (Date Unknown)
Summary: In some versions, ǀKágge̥n creates the eland and hides it near a cliff to let it grow, but his sons unknowingly kill it. In others, it is his wife, Coti, who gives birth to the eland and nurtures it before it is tragically killed. The blood of the eland is then used to create other animals, including snakes and hartebeests. This myth emphasizes themes of creation, fertility, and the interconnectedness of life.
ǀKágge̥n, the Moon, and the Origin of Death (Date Unknown)
Summary: In one version, ǀKágge̥n’s children kill the eland, and in his anger, ǀKágge̥n pierces the eland’s gallbladder, creating the night. He then throws an ostrich feather into the sky, transforming it into the moon. Another version portrays ǀKágge̥n throwing his shoe instead. The moon becomes central to the San explanation of the permanence of death, as a hare miscommunicates ǀKágge̥n's message about rebirth.
The Trickster’s Transformation (Date Unknown)
Summary: ǀKágge̥n showcases his shapeshifting abilities, transforming into animals like a praying mantis, a bull eland, and a snake. These transformations, though often chaotic, highlight his dual nature as both a creator and trickster.
The Marriage of ǀKágge̥n’s Daughter (Date Unknown)
Summary: ǀKágge̥n arranges the marriage of his adopted daughter, ǃXo (Porcupine), to Ichneumon, a mongoose-like creature. The story explores family relationships and the importance of interconnectedness in the natural world.
The Eland and the Meerkats (Date Unknown)
Summary: ǀKágge̥n’s grandson, the mongoose, discovers ǀKágge̥n feeding honey to the eland. This revelation leads to the meerkats hunting the eland, which ultimately causes its death. The tale reflects the San people's reverence for the eland and the consequences of disrupting natural harmony.
Worship Beliefs and Practices
ǀKágge̥n is honored through storytelling, rituals, and rock art. The San people perform trance dances to communicate with the spirit world and seek guidance from ǀKágge̥n.