Ga-Gorib and the Pit of Death
In a Khoekhoe legend, a monster sat beside a deep pit, daring travellers to throw stones at him. The stones always bounced back, and the travellers fell in.
What was reported
In the myths of the Khoekhoe peoples of southern Africa, Ga-Gorib was a monster who sat beside a great pit and challenged passers-by to throw stones at him. Every stone rebounded and struck the thrower, who tumbled into the pit and was lost.
The hero Heitsi-eibib came to face him. Ga-Gorib tried to trick him, but Heitsi-eibib waited until the monster was distracted, then struck him, and Ga-Gorib himself fell into the pit.
Explanations offered
Heitsi-eibib is a hero of Khoekhoe tradition, and many cairns of stones in Namibia and South Africa are associated with him, where travellers would add a stone for luck. The tale of Ga-Gorib is one of his best-known adventures.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Namibia
- Witnesses
- Khoekhoe tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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