Zulu mythology

traditional religion of the Zulu people

Mnguni was said to be the leader - and earliest named ancestor - of the Nguni nation who reached Southern Africa migrating from the North. Additionally, he was the father of King Xhosa. The Xhosa people, today considered a sub-nation of the Nguni nation, were historically referred to as AbeNguni. Mnguni's name derives from the word Nguni, the name for the major ethnicity in South Africa. It now includes the Zulus, Xhosas, Ndebeles and Swazis among others.

Amadlozi are African spiritual figures of the Nguni people. The Nguni people believe that these entities can be summoned for assistance and protection. This belief plays an integral part in explaining some of the attitudes Nguni people have around subjects such as fertility, life, death, fortune, and misfortune. Amadlozi are also believed to have the power to guide their people towards a life of purpose and integrity. These figures are also said to be governed by superior spiritual beings known as iThonga. iThonga is regarded as primary custodians of umsamo (Nguni's physical and spiritual cent

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