ǀKágge̥n (Cagn)
Trickster God, Demiurge
Trickster deity, Creator deity
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, also known as Cagn, is a central figure in San mythology. He is a trickster god and demiurge, capable of shape-shifting into various forms, including a praying mantis, bull eland, louse, snake, and caterpillar. He is known for his cunning and wit, often using his abilities to teach lessons or outsmart others. ǀKágge̥n is also a creator figure, responsible for the creation of many animals and natural elements.
Narratives
Creation of the Eland: ǀKágge̥n's wife, ǀHúnntuǃattǃatte̥n, gave birth to the eland, which ǀKágge̥n hid near a secluded cliff to let it grow. His sons, unaware of their father's love for the eland, killed it. ǀKágge̥n used the blood of the eland to create other animals, such as snakes and hartebeests.
Kaggen, the Moon, and the Origin of Death: In one version of the story, ǀKágge̥n's children killed the eland, and in his anger, ǀKágge̥n created the night by piercing the eland's gallbladder. He then created the moon by throwing an ostrich feather into the sky.
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.