Thunder

Thunder-spirit classed as deity. Karei is the best-attested Semang divinity; English head-word 'Thunder' leads, native 'Karei' in term. He is aided by a female earth-deity (sometimes a pair of sisters) identified with the earth-supporting snake (Naga'). Across bands his relation to the creator Ta Pedn varies — sometimes coordinate, sometimes Karei is subordinate to or identified with Ta Pedn. Semang languages are unwritten; the term is a Latin/transcription form. 'lawac' (also lawah) is the term for the punishable transgression.

Domains

• thunder and lightning
• taboo and divine punishment
• moral order and atonement

Powers

• send the thunderstorm against breakers of taboo
• demand a blood-offering thrown to the sky

Epithets

• Karei

Relations

• spouse: Manoid

Sources

• Ivor H. N. Evans, The Negritos of Malaya, Cambridge University Press, 1937
• Paul Schebesta, Die Negrito Asiens, vol. II.1: Religion und Mythologie, 1957
• Ivor H. N. Evans, The Negritos of Malaya, 1937
• Paul Schebesta, Die Negrito Asiens, vol. II.1, 1957