Southern African FolkloreSan Tales

The Mantis and the Moon

Kaggen the Mantis flings his sandal into the sky to create the moon and light the desert night.

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Illustration for The Mantis and the Moon - a san tales Southern African Folklore story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Experience the San legend of The Mantis and the Moon, where the creator Kaggen transforms his sandal into a silver beacon to light the dark Kalahari night.

In the early days when the world was shrouded in darkness, the great trickster and creator, Kaggen the Mantis, found himself stumbling through the night. Frustrated by the gloom that hid the paths of the hunters and the tracks of the springbok, he paused in the cool desert air. He took off one of his leather sandals, worn from many journeys across the Kalahari. With a powerful swing and a shout of command, he flung the sandal high into the sky. As it rose, the dust of the earth fell away, and the leather began to glow with a cold, silver light. It hung there, a beacon in the void, becoming the Moon. Kaggen smiled, for now the people would never be lost in the dark, and the night would always have its own gentle sun to guide the way.

The Moral

Even small, humble things can become great lights when sacrificed for the benefit of others.

“Go, my sandal, and become a light that the people may see in the night.”

Fun Fact

In many San traditions, the moon is considered a symbol of transformation and rebirth because of its cycle of waxing and waning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Mantis and the Moon?

The story teaches that creativity and sacrifice can bring light to the community. By giving up his own sandal, Kaggen provides a lasting gift that allows all people to navigate the darkness safely.

Who is Kaggen in San folklore?

Kaggen is the Mantis, a central deity and trickster figure in San mythology. He is a shape-shifter and creator who often uses his cleverness, and sometimes his mistakes, to shape the natural world.

Why did the Mantis create the moon?

He created the moon because the night was originally pitch black, making it impossible for his people to hunt or find their way. He sought to create a 'night sun' to provide guidance and safety.

Is the moon really a sandal in this story?

Yes, according to this San myth, the moon is Kaggen’s discarded leather sandal. The dark patches seen on the moon's surface are said to be the Kalahari dust that remained on the leather.

What culture does this story come from?

This story belongs to the San people, also known as the Bushmen, who are indigenous to Southern Africa. Their folklore is deeply tied to the stars, the desert landscape, and the animals of the region.

What does the Mantis represent in African folklore?

The Mantis represents the bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. As a trickster, he embodies the unpredictable nature of life, showing that wisdom often comes from unexpected actions.