Cryptid Vault
Grootslang

Grootslang

Also known as: Great Snake, Groot Slang

South African legend says the gods made a creature so powerful they had to split it into elephants and snakes.

First Reported

Ancient Khoisan oral tradition

Origin Area

Richtersveld, South Africa

Size

40-60 feet long

Temperament

Highly territorial and intelligent

Status

Folklore

Folklore onlyHigh DangerAfricaMountainRiver

The Lore

The Grootslang is a primordial creature from South African mythology said to dwell in the Richtersveld's Wonder Hole cave system. According to legend, the gods created a being that combined the strength of an elephant with the cunning of a serpent, then split it into two separate species. One Grootslang escaped and bred in deep caves, guarding a hoard of diamonds. Explorers who entered the caves reportedly never returned.

Body Type

SerpentineGiant mammal

Folklore Origin

Regional folkloreIndigenous tradition

Similar Real Animals

African elephantAfrican rock python