Grootslang

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Grootslang
A large brown snake with darker brown patterns basking on red rocks.
Grootslang
GroupingLegendary creature
Sub groupingReptiles, Serpents and Worms
Other name(s)Great Snake of the Orange River[1]
CountrySouth Africa
RegionRichtersveld[2]

The Grootslang or Grote Slang (Afrikaans and Dutch for "big snake") is a legendary creature that is reputed to dwell in a deep cave in the Richtersveld, South Africa.[3]

Legend[]

The Grootslang is said to be a huge elephant-sized serpent that dwells in a cave known as the "Wonder Hole" or the "Bottomless Pit". Supposedly, the cave connects to the sea 64 kilometres (40 mi) away. According to local legend, the cave is filled with diamonds.[4] The Grootslang is also said to live in warm rivers and lakes.[5]

While searching for treasure in the Richtersveld of South Africa in 1917, English businessman Peter Grayson disappeared after members of his party were attacked and injured by lions, prompting rumors that the Grootslang had killed him.[6]

In popular culture[]

  • A Grootslang was featured in The Secret Saturdays episode "Something in the Water". It is depicted as a four-tusked green-skinned elephant with ram-like horns and a spiked snake-like tail. The Saturdays had to relocate a Grootslang away from settlements by baiting it with a large piece of pork.
  • A Grootslang was featured in the Lumberjanes vol. 3 as a creature creating a massive snow storm threatening the camp.
  • In Kingdom Rush: Origins, in the stage The Crystal Lake, a Grootslang appears in the crystal river. It uses its breath to crystalize towers.

References[]

  1. ^ Green, Lawrence George (1980). Secret Africa. Howard Timmins. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-86978-079-4.
  2. ^ Dicey, William (2004). Borderline. Kwela Books. p. 258. ISBN 978-0-7957-0189-4.
  3. ^ Rose, Carol (2001). Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth. W. W. Norton & Company. p. 156. ISBN 0-393-32211-4. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  4. ^ White, Jon Ewbank Manchip (1969). The land God made in anger: reflections on a journey through South West Africa. Rand McNally. p. 300.
  5. ^ Staff writer (17 March 1975). Strange Stories, Amazing Facts. Reader's Digest. p. 430. ISBN 978-0276000805.
  6. ^ Floyd, Rendall (September 20, 1998). "Disappearances feed Grootslang legend". The Augusta Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011.
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