Cegorach is the Eldar trickster god, better known as the Laughing God. He’s the patron of the Harlequins and one of the very few Eldar gods who didn’t die when Slaanesh was born.
Who is Cegorach?
Cegorach is one of the gods of Eldar mythology, a trickster deity who supposedly gave the Aeldari irony so they could laugh at themselves and dodge the trap of hubris. He’s the central figure of Harlequin belief and the only authority they recognise.
He goes by plenty of names: the Great Harlequin, the Great Fool, the First Fool, the Greatest Among the Soul-Dancers. He’s mocking, sinister, vindictive and enigmatic all at once, and his jokes are aimed at anyone who gets too proud, gods included.
How did he survive the Fall?
Most of the Eldar pantheon was destroyed when Slaanesh came into being. Cegorach supposedly survived because his mocking nature kept him apart from the corruption and decadence that fed the new god.
The legend says that while Slaanesh fought Khaine, the Laughing God slipped away into the Webway. Harlequins believe he still protects their souls from Slaanesh to this day.
Deeds and legends
His stories are full of pranks that punish pride. In Eldar legend he stole Khaine’s blade and presided over something called the Wedding of Screams.
During the War in Heaven, the Soul-Dancers (Cegorach and his Harlequins) tricked the C’tan into turning on each other, including Kaelis Ra, so they consumed their fellow Yngir.
- Stole Khaine’s blade in Eldar myth
- Oversaw the Wedding of Screams
- Tricked the C’tan into devouring each other during the War in Heaven
Cegorach and the Harlequins
The Harlequins are his, body and soul. They perform Stories that sometimes blend the deeds of the C’tan Mephet’ran with Cegorach’s own exploits. When the Deceiver appears on stage, only the Great Harlequin of the Masque ever plays the part.
Some say the Laughing God walks among his children now and then, disguised as an ordinary Harlequin Player. Nobody can prove it, which is exactly how he’d want it.
Key facts
- Cegorach is the Eldar trickster god known as the Laughing God
- He’s the patron deity of the Harlequins and their only recognised authority
- He survived the Fall by escaping into the Webway, unlike most Eldar gods
- His legends include stealing Khaine’s blade and the Wedding of Screams
- He tricked the C’tan into consuming each other during the War in Heaven
FAQ
Is Cegorach dead?
No. According to Eldar legend, he survived the Fall by escaping into the Webway while Slaanesh and Khaine fought. The Harlequins believe he’s still alive and protecting their souls.
Why is Cegorach called the Laughing God?
Because he’s a trickster who mocks gods and mortals alike. His pranks punish pride, and he’s said to have given the Eldar irony in the first place.
Do the Harlequins worship Cegorach?
Yes. He’s their patron deity and the only authority they recognise. They believe he sometimes walks among them in disguise.