Grootslang
Description
Elephant-snake hybrid of immense intelligence guarding diamond caves in Richtersveld. So powerful the gods had to split it into elephants and snakes
Origin & Background
Lawrence G. Green, a journalist and writer from South Africa, speculates in 'Where Men Still Dream' that the Grootslang legend may have originated from sightings of a python. This python can reach lengths of up to 25 feet. The additional mythical elements such as the size of the Grootslang and the presence of diamonds in its eye sockets are dismissed by Green as narrative exaggeration.
The Legend
The Grootslang is said to be a giant serpent that resides in a cave known as 'Wonder Hole' or 'Bottomless Pit' located in the Richtersveld of South Africa. This cave is said to connect to the sea 64 kilometers away, and it is rumored to be filled with diamonds. The cave extends vertically 60 feet downwards, followed by a steep slope. Lawrence G. Green explains that the Wonder Hole is located 3 miles from the Orange River and that there is a legend about two white men who descended into the cave in search of the python. Another story suggests that the Grootslang is hidden in a large pool beneath the King George Cataract, guarding treasures and diamonds.
In Popular Culture
In popular culture, the Grootslang appears in various media. In the 'The Secret Saturdays' episode 'Something in the Water', it is depicted as a green-skinned elephant with four tusks, while in 'Lumberjanes' vol. 3, it appears as a being that creates a giant snowstorm threatening the camp. In the 'Crystal Lake' stage of 'Kingdom Rush: Origins', the Grootslang appears in the crystal river, using its breath to crystallize towers. The Grootslang also appears in 'Wynncraft', a Minecraft-based MMORPG.
This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Grootslang" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia