Uhlanga

In Zulu mythology, Uhlanga is the marsh from which humanity was born,[1] and is the Zulu word for "reed" that was also a synonym for "societal custom".[2]

Myths

Myths about Uhlanga are linked to myths about Unkulunkulu and Umvelinqangi, and there are different, conflicting mythical traditions about all three.

According to Jacob Olupona, Umvelingangi wedded himself to Uhlanga, likely because of Uhlanga's multiple-colored reeds.[1] Umvelingangi used the reeds to create men and women called Unkulunkulu, who each founded a tribe.

References

Olupona, Jacob K. (2014). African Religions: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-19-979058-6. OCLC 839396781.
Leslie, David (1875). Among the Zulus and Amatongas: With Sketches of The Natives, Their Language and Customs; And The Country, Products, Climate, Wild Animals, &c. Being Principally Contributions To Magazines and Newspapers (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. p. 149.

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[:0-1] Olupona, Jacob K. (2014). African Religions: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-19-979058-6. OCLC 839396781.

[2] Leslie, David (1875). Among the Zulus and Amatongas: With Sketches of The Natives, Their Language and Customs; And The Country, Products, Climate, Wild Animals, &c. Being Principally Contributions To Magazines and Newspapers (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. p. 149.