Sangumang
Ngaju · demigod · Ngaju traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Sangumang is the trickster of Ngaju narrative, a quick-witted heavenly being (sangiang) of the Upperworld whom the tales make a kinsman - most often the nephew - of the god Mahatala. Living modestly with his mother, he repeatedly humbles the rich and the powerful through cunning rather than force, and the cycle of Sangumang stories is among the best known works of Ngaju oral literature. His exploits carry the didactic weight of the trickster elsewhere in the archipelago, celebrating intelligence and the mockery of arrogance.
Domains
- trickery
Powers
- outwits the powerful through cunning
Relations
- companion: MahatalaBelongs to the Upperworld household of Mahatala, whose nephew he is said to be.Schärer, Ngaju Religion (1963), p. 41; Ngaju Sangumang tradition. (secondary)
Sources
- Sangumang is the trickster hero of Ngaju oral narrative, a heavenly being kin to Mahatala who defeats the powerful by cunning.: Ngaju Sangumang tale-cycle, summarised in Schärer, Ngaju Religion (1963), p. 41, and in Cerita Rakyat Daerah Kalimantan Tengah (Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan). (primary)