Ga-Gorib – Man-Eater |

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Ga-Gorib – Man-Eater

July 2, 2012 by T.F.Walsh

Mythical Creatures Series

If a hideous creature near a bit dares you to throw a rock at him, walk away. Or pretty soon you might end up on his dinner menu.

GA-GORIB

What is it?

Ga-gorbi is a legendary monster, which comes from an belief of the KhoiKhoi – an ethnic group from southern Africa.

The ga-gorib sits on the edge of a pit and tempts those who pass to throw rocks at it. For anyone silly enough to take up the challenge, the thrown rock always rebounds, causing them to fall into the pit. The purpose of this is so the ga-gorib can then eat those who fall into the pit.

It is said that once a hero by the name Heitsi-eibib tricked by beast, by distracting it, then threw the rock, which flew beneath the monster’s ear. The ga-gorib lost its balance and fell into its own pit. Another story states that Heitsi-eibib wrestled with the ga-gorib who threw him into to the pit repeatedly, but could not be kept down. In the end, the aa-gorib is again thrown to his own pit by Heitsi-eibib, who proceeds to seal it up forever.

Ability

The ga-gorib is dangerous and tricky, trying to get anyone to play his game. You’ll find it arrogant and full of anger.

Psychical Appearance

Gorib is “the spotted one.” This means leopard, cheetah, or leguaan inCentral Khoisan languages. For this reason, it is believed the the ga-gorib has some connection with these animals. The element “ga-” remains unexplained. Some believe it may be the equivalent of ‘not a leopard.’ It is almost troll-like, and quite freaky.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Mythical Creatures List

Encyclopaedia Mythica

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Posted in Mythology Monday | Tagged african, folklore, monsters, myth, mythical creatures, mythology, south africa | 15 Comments

15 Responses

on July 11, 2012 at 3:03 am | Reply Mike Offutt

This thing looks really really strange.
on July 7, 2012 at 2:25 am | Reply Nutschell

Looking forward to more fantastical posts.

Btw, I just gave you an Award. Drop by my blog when you’re free.
Happy Friday!

Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
on July 5, 2012 at 3:21 am | Reply Rekha

Does look scary but pretty nasty judging more the tale. Wonder what other stories can the creature inspire.
on July 4, 2012 at 5:54 pm | Reply Nick Wilford

Well, isn’t he a nasty piece of work. Interesting stuff!
on July 4, 2012 at 12:14 pm | Reply Shelley Munro (@ShelleyMunro)

Wow, I’m staying far away from pits and rocks. Love the artwork!
on July 3, 2012 at 2:30 pm | Reply Kirsten

Interesting strategy for a monster to have!
So many monsters have made their way into our collective mythology. It is fascinating to read about them, and the pictures really stir up my imagination!
on July 3, 2012 at 2:35 am | Reply nutschell

never heard of this creature before, but it sure gives me some story ideas! great post:)
on July 3, 2012 at 2:10 am | Reply LJ

Ooo… nasty looking beast, isn’t he?
on July 3, 2012 at 1:40 am | Reply unikorna

I simply love reading about mythical creatures, I hope you’ll soon write a bit about goblins and pixies .
on July 3, 2012 at 1:24 am | Reply Christine Rains

Quite freaky to say the least! Maybe it’s related to trolls that live under bridges, but this one lives in a pit!
on July 2, 2012 at 10:15 pm | Reply Jamie Ayres

Not heard of this one either . . . could use it in my novel for sure:)
on July 2, 2012 at 8:46 pm | Reply Littleskew

Another creature who I haven’t heard of. Brilliant post. And thanks for the tip, i’ll be sure to run away from anyone who dares me to do anything
on July 2, 2012 at 7:12 pm | Reply Medeia Sharif

Interesting and terrifying. This is the first time I’ve read about the ga-gorib.
on July 2, 2012 at 6:53 pm | Reply Lynda R Young

Another creature I’ve not heard of. The ga-gorib sounds cool though, as monsters go.
on July 2, 2012 at 3:55 pm | Reply lexacain

I’ll have to remember not to throw rocks at monsters sitting by pits! lol