Unkulunkulu: ‘Great Oldest One’ Progenitor Of Mankind, Creator Of All Things And Origin Of Death In Beliefs Of Zulu People
A.Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Unkulunkulu is the Supreme Being and creator god in the mythology of the Zulu and Ndebele people in southern Africa.
There was a common belief that Unkulunkulu grew on a reed and this great event, which was crucial for the planet happened in a vast primordial swamp of Uhlanga (Uthlanga).
In the Zulu beliefs, Uhlanga a mythical place mentioned in myths and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.
In the Zulu creation myth, Unkulunkulu created all things. He was born from a tree trunk but it took a long time before he could create any life. He is considered the first man as well as the parent of all Zulu. He taught the Zulu how to make fire with sticks, how to hunt, and how to cultivate grain and grow food.
After he became fully grown, he began to create, mountains, streams, valleys, the sun, and the moon. Then, he pulled all the other men and women from the reeds as well as cattle, birds, fish, and all other living creatures.
He is also said to have created the social order in the world.
Punished By Throwing From The Sky
In one version of his story, the Zulus relate how a young man, the High God’s son was expelled from heaven because he had stolen the god’s favorite white cow, he was thrown through a hole in the sky and descended to earth by a magical cord which was tied around his waist.
Credit: Public Domain
After a month, the High God took pity on his son and decided to send him a wife, by the same means. After, she descended to earth; he drew up the magical cord, closing the hole in the heavens.
His son became the first king of the Zulus, and after him, all the Zulu rulers possessed the ability to control rain.
The weather is important in many other mythologies of both the African continent and around the world. Among the Yoruba, their greatest and most powerful warrior-king, Shango had the authority to control thunder and rain, after hanging himself on a tree and ascending to heaven. After Shango’s death, his wife who was a lake Oja obtained much more power and became the river Niger.
Sometimes Unkulunkulu is called Ukqili (The Wise One) and as a chief god of the Zulu pantheon, he masters the lightning. When lightning strikes a cow, it is assumed that Ukqili is hungry, and the dead animal becomes a sacrifice. After all, all cattle belong to him; they are his gift to humans.
Unkulunkulu was the first to appear after Umvelinqangi described as the inner light of creation, and as such, Umvelinqangi lacks personification, but he is above the top of the Zulu pantheon of the deities.
He created the primeval reeds and it happened when he came down to Earth one day and suddenly he was startled by seeing a very beautiful swamp. He was so much in love that he married the Marsh Goddess Uthlanga and the two of them lived there.
This swamp became the place of birth of Unkulunkulu.
Unkulunkulu And The Origin Of Death
Unkulunkulu sent a chameleon Unwaba with the message to people of this planet that when they died, they would be reborn.
“Go, chameleon (lunwaha), go and say, “Let not men die!” Unkulunkulu said.
Apparently, Unwaba was not very efficient messenger because he was very slow on his way to the people. As a result, Unkulunkulu sent a lizard with a second message: “Death would be the end, and people would not be reborn.”
The message of death was quickly delivered by the lizard.
“I tell you, the lizard said to the people: “It is said, ‘Let men die!”
Not knowing what death was, the people easily accepted it. Finally, also the first messenger Unwaba arrived but it was too late and the people would not listen to his message.
“Oh, we have accepted the word of the lizard; it has told us the word, “It is said ‘Let men die.’
We cannot hear your word. Through the word of the lizard, men will die,” the people answered.
The message myth is widespread in Africa, though in other parts of the continent, a dog or a sheep may act as the messenger.
The Zulu tradition says that when people die, their spirits go to the sky to live. The stars in the sky represent the eyes of the deceased looking at the human world.
Written by – A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for referencesReferences:
Cotterell, A. A Dictionary of World Mythology
Hexham, Irving, ed. Texts on Zulu Religion
More From Ancient Pages
-
Why Was Louis XIV Called The Sun King?
Ancient History Facts | Jul 11, 2019
-
This Ancient Roman Painting Survived Eruption Of Mount Vesuvius In 79 A.D.
Archaeology | Aug 21, 2017
-
On this day in history: Li Shimin becomes Emperor Taizong of Tang, China – Sep 4, 626
News | Sep 4, 2015
-
Mysterious Lost City Of The Tairona Hidden In The Jungles Of Colombia
Civilizations | Nov 9, 2018
-
Runes: Facts And History About Odin’s Secret Language
Ancient History Facts | Jan 27, 2016
-
How Did Indus Civilization Manage To Resist Climate Change?
Archaeology | Feb 22, 2017
-
Astonishing Pre-Inca Salt Ponds of Maras In Peru Were Created By The Chanapata Culture
Civilizations | Sep 14, 2016
-
Sinuses Prevented Prehistoric Crocodile Relatives From Deep Diving
Evolution | Nov 7, 2024
-
Fire-Burning Event At The Maya Kingdom Of K’anwitznal Was A Reaction To Regime Change
News | Apr 19, 2024
-
Why Is Rome Called ‘The Eternal City’?
Ancient History Facts | May 16, 2024
-
Nevsehir Labyrinth Of Tunnels: Largest And Most Complex Underground City In The World
Civilizations | Apr 7, 2015
-
On This Day In History: Declaration Of Independence Of The Mexican Empire Is Drafted – On Sep 28, 1821
News | Sep 28, 2016
-
Hidden History Of Skull And Crossbones: The Untold Story Of The Templar And Their Connection To The Shining Ones
Featured Stories | Aug 6, 2018
-
On This Day In History: Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz – Famous Philosopher, Scientist And Mathematician Died – On Nov 14, 1716
News | Nov 14, 2016
-
Mysterious Secret ‘Square’ Discovered Beneath Avebury Stone Circle
Archaeology | Jun 30, 2017
-
Hunter-Gatherers Used Open Habitats Millennia Before Stonehenge Monuments Were Built
Archaeology | Apr 27, 2022
-
Colors On These Ancient Pots Hint At The Power Of An Empire
Archaeology | Mar 7, 2023
-
Struggle To Get Mail On Time Has Lasted More Than 5,000 Years – Part 2
Featured Stories | Jul 31, 2017
-
Mysterious Ancient Grave With Unusual Artifacts That Belonged To A Völva – Norse Female Shamans Did Exist
Featured Stories | Jul 2, 2017
-
Helmet Of Meskalamdug – Sumerian King Of The First Dynasty Of Ur
Artifacts | Apr 14, 2016