Cegorach

Cegorach

Cegorach - the Great Harlequin, the Great Fool, the First Fool, the Laughing God - is one of the gods of Eldar myth, and the central figure of Harlequin belief. While most of the gods were destroyed during the Fall of the Eldar, according to legend, this deity survived because his mocking nature distanced him from the corruption and decadence that became Slaanesh. Cegorach is the only authority the Harlequins recognize.1

Cegorach is one of only three Eldar gods to have survived the Fall of the Eldar; the other two being Isha, who is held captive in the garden of Nurgle, and Khaine, who lives on through his Avatars. It is said that during the fight between Slaanesh and Khaine the Laughing God hid behind Khaine for protection, and in the aftermath of the struggle the Laughing God fled to the Webway where Slaanesh could not find him. He still resides there, and is the only known being to know exactly where every door in the webway leads. (needs citation)

In ancient Eldar myth it was said to be the Laughing God who tricked the Outsider into eating other C'tan. Eldar who follow him are known as Harlequins, are protected from Slaanesh in a different way from their Craftworld brethren. While Eldar wear Spirit Stones which absorb their souls when they die, Harlequins are directly protected by their God, becoming one with him on death. The only exception to this is the Solitaire whose soul must be won from Slaanesh by the Laughing God.(needs citation)

The Laughing God and the Deceiver

The Laughing God has an unclear relation with the Deceiver.(needs citation)

One story tell how the Laughing God tricked the Outsider into eating many other C'tan, driving him insane.(needs citation)

Another story tells that the Deceiver consumed several C'tan to increase his own power and convinced the Nightbringer and the Void Dragon to do likewise. Neither of these C'tan, nor the Deceiver, were driven insane; obviously a significant difference.(needs citation)

The whole truth of the matter is currently unknown.

Sources

* 1:Warhammer 40,000: Compendium, Harlequins * 2:http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Cegorach