First Shaman
Lepcha · demigod · mythic / culture founding age · Recorded classification
Lepcha culture-hero / first shaman, classed as demigod (a divinely created semi-divine progenitor of the Bongthing priesthood, transmitting shamanic power to mortals). The Lepcha shamanic system distinguishes the male Bongthing from the female Mun; Azaor-Bongthing/Tamsangthing is its mythic founder, created specifically to combat the mung (demons).
Parentage
- parent: Mother-Creator
Domains
- shamanism
- exorcism
Powers
- subdue and destroy the tormenting demons
- bestow shamanic power on earthly successors
Relations
- sibling: First ManFull sibling — shares the same attested parentage (Mother-Creator) per the figures' cited genealogy.
- sibling: First WomanFull sibling — shares the same attested parentage (Mother-Creator) per the figures' cited genealogy.
Sources
- Azaor-Bongthing (Tamsangthing) is the first shaman/priest of the Lepcha, created by the creatress from the purest snow of Mount Pandim to destroy the demons afflicting humankind, and founder of the Bongthing priesthood.: 'Mythology and Origin Stories of the Lepchas', Sikkim PSC notes, accessed June 2026 (secondary); Siiger, Halfdan. 'The Lepchas: Culture and Religion of a Himalayan People' (1967) (academic)