BufferAfrican mythology is loaded with interesting tales of gods, gods and also intriguing heroes that have been gone through numerous generations. It’s stories that inform you about how the world works and life lessons.
What Is African Mythology?
African mythology is a huge treasure trove where the entire continent of Africa provides great mythical stories. Africa is the world’s second-most largest continent, thus its lore goes too vast as each country and culture lays a different story.
These are stories to account for such things as the rising of the sun, why there are animals; or how the sky is so high. These are tales that have been told for thousands of years and which help to bridge history from the past into the present.
Why Storytelling is Important?
The idea of storytelling is key in African mythology. In those days, ere reading or televisions and Internet interconnections people would by the campfire listen to these tales.
The tales would be passed down by the elders, who were simply those old men in the community. These tales were not only enjoyable to hear, but they also taught important moral lessons about being courageous, selfless or smart. They also accounted for life-as-it-happens, such as why it rained or thundered.
African Mythology: Gods and Spirits
What I enjoy about African mythology the most is learning who is among its gods and spirits. African mythology is similar to Greek or Roman mythology; with many gods, each god holds different powers and responsibilities.
There were gods for the weather, others that blessed fruitful harvests and a few even looked after love while the same are of war. Yoruba Myths (Nigeria) A powerful god-like Shango Shango The god of lightning and thunder.
People say a thunderstorm is when Shango is showing his power. On one hand, he carries a double-head axe and is also known to be a fierce soldier.
For example, among the Zulu people of Africa is a sky god named Unkulunkulu. Humans and animals are believed to have been created by Him. The Zulu people have stories Unkulunkulu created the first man and woman, he would then give them land to inaugurate their life.
Fantastic Heroes and Their Adventures.
African mythology has stories about heroes who travel on quests as well. These heroes are typically very brave and have to be very clever or they will surely meet their end. One example of a well-known hero is Anansi, an intelligent spider from West African mythology.
The tales of Anansi usually portray him as a cunning trickster able to overcome obstacles and enemies much larger or stronger than he. Some of the stories involve Anansi tricking bigger animals to carry out his will, some have him acting as a mediator between gods and mortals, and still others present him bringing wisdom to society.
Mwindo, a prince from the Congo Another hero of African mythology That baby was born cursing Mwindo boasted omnipotent supernatural powers and began speaking immediately, then walking right after popping out. He adventured, slaying monsters and vanquishing his foes. Indeed, Mwindos teaches us about being brave and helping to do the greater good.
How Animals Came to Be
Some of the most superlatively amazing stories about animals come from African mythology. These stories often account for how various animals earned their characteristics. There is a story, for example about how the tortoise came to have its hard shell.
The tortoise in this story, on the other hand, was originally a very slick and soft being. However, he played a prank on him one day that failed and cracked his shell so it turned hard and bumpy. The moral of the story could be that it shows actions have consequences.
The Ashanti people from Ghana have a chameleon origin story that explains how it came to be so colourful. It used to be a drab ole plain chameleon, the colour-changing gods took it and bestowed power on its kind. At present, Chameleon can camouflage with the colour of their environment that protects them from enemies.
African Mythology in Modern-Day
While decades if not centuries old, these stories are relevant today. African mythology is vital in defining the cultural being and heritage of a people. It is how families and communities are brought together with their history.
In addition to being entertaining, these stories have great appeal and continue to be told in many regions of Africa today and beyond. Studying the African mythology it is like going to another time and place.
It is a means of recording how people on the continent have perceived our world for thousands of years. From powerful gods like Oya to cunning heroes like Eshu and all of his beloved animal tales, African myths are teeming with timeless pearls we can each apply in our lives.
Bringing It All Together
African mythology tells a rich tapestry of stories that have formed traditions and rituals passed down from generation to generation. Through these stories about gods, heroes and animals we see what those people held most important in their beliefs.
We can learn about where to go from these tales, and what we should be doing with all this knowledge that has been passed on through generations by simply listening.
As is common in African mythology, storytelling of course can be a powerful vehicle for teaching to socialize and unite people. Just like the stories you tell around a campfire or read from cover to cover, every story has its message for us.
So the next time you hear an African myth listen closely and think about what that story is trying to tell us. Who knows? You might even just find something awesome!