Mamaragan

In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Mamaragan or Namarrkon[1] is a lightning god who speaks with thunder as his voice. He rides a storm-cloud and throws lightning bolts to humans and trees. He lives in a puddle.[2]

Characteristics and Appearance

Namarrkon is the lightning man. Namarrkon soaks up the sun's rays, which form bright arcs of light across each of his shoulders. He is mostly unseen, living high in the sky and riding storm clouds. He makes thunderous sounds by striking the clouds with stone axes fixed to his head, elbows, and knees.[3]

He appears each year in Kunumeleng, pre-monsoon season,[4] reminding people of the consequences of invoking the spiritual power. If people disobey the law, Namarrkon hisses, crackles, and even strikes the offender with his fiery spears of lightning.[5]

Actions During Ancient Climate Change

The climate changed nearly 7,000 years ago, causing the ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise. During this period, Namarrkon created violent thunderstorms in preparation for the Wet Season rains brought by the Rainbow Serpent.[6]

In fiction

In the DC Comics story The Darkseid War the superhero Shazam is empowered by six new deities; one of them is Mamaragan, revealed to be the true identity of the Wizard who originally empowered the hero.[7]

In the Japanese Manga One Piece, Kami Eneru uses an attack called Mamaragan to attempt the destruction of Skypiea.[8]

References

  1. Garde, Murray. "Bininj Kunwok Online Dictionary". njamed.com. Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  2. Allen, Peter. "Mamaragan". Godchecker. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  3. "Dreamtime Stories". Kakadu Attractions. deity NAMARRKUN. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  4. Garde, Murray. "Bininj Kunwok Online Dictionary". njamed.com. Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  5. "Dreamtime Stories". Kakadu Attractions. deity NAMARRKUN. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  6. "Dreamtime Stories". Kakadu Attractions. deity NAMARRKUN. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  7. Allen, Peter. "Mamaragan". Godchecker. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  8. Allen, Peter. "Mamaragan". Godchecker. Retrieved 7 April 2014.


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