Spider Sage
Palauan · demigod · mythic age · Recorded classification
Palauan spider culture-hero; classed as demigod (theriomorphic culture-bringer). Native term Mengidabrutkoel. Gloss 'Spider Sage'. His tale, a charter for human childbirth, parallels the spider/Areop-type culture-bringers elsewhere in the Carolines.
Domains
- childbirth
- healing wisdom
Powers
- teaches the art of natural childbirth
Sources
- Mengidabrutkoel, the magnificent spider sage of Palauan legend, married a mortal woman and taught the Palauans natural childbirth, ending the fatal practice that preceded him.: Flood, B. & Strong, B.E. (2002). Micronesian Legends. Bess Press, Honolulu (reference); McKnight, R.K. & Obak, A. (1975). Palauan Legends, Vol. 2. Literature Production Center, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Koror (folklore)