Editing Ubantu:Contents:Religion:KidiniIntro (section)

====Msafu ya Babaale - The Book of Saints====


A great deal of Bantu mythology centers around demigods and culture-heroes. Most begin life as magically precocious children - often they speak from the womb and/or are born holding magical tools. Some are descended from powerful spirits, such as Sudika-Mbambi, whose grandparents are the Sun and Moon. After they die, they become powerful leaders in Kuzimu, sometimes going on to have further adventures. The syncretic tradition of Kidini establishes a kind of geneology of these hero-saints, though often incomplete and confusing.

The first man is called Unkulunkintu, who may or may not be the same as Umajina. He had five wives, one for each day of the week, all of whom gave birth at the same time. Sadly, they all died in labor, leaving behind many-many children, far more than the bereaved Unkulunkintu could care for. He entrusted his children to the care of various animals, thereby inspiring the clans of Ubantu, then climbed the Heavenfig and disappeared. Unkulunkintu is not worshipped, but the Mother Matyrs have a powerful following.

Zimbanje, writing, Ditaolane , king of kings, printing press guy, war, Unkulunkulu the first man, the trickster, law giver, Walukaga the blacksmith, plant woman, the hemp smoker (fool)
Kintu was the first man and with him were created five women, on

Ryangombe and his wife, Nyabingi, are basically the patron saints of cattle and pastoralists. Though there is no centalized Cult for Ryangombe, there are several rituals invoking his name that are used by cattle herders throughout Ubantu. He has a magical horn and a special affinity with dogs.

Sudika-Mbambi (the Thunderbolt) is a powerful warrior-saint who first cleared the land of Amazimu. His treacherous twin brother was called Kabundungulu. Mbega is the hunter hero and also a powerful sorceror, much revered by those who hunt wild game in the bush. Kamau is a legendary king who created the first code of law, creating the Msafu ya Kanuni. Wareru is the scholar-hero who is the central patron of the Kanisa, and the inventor of the printing press. Kwesonyi is the sailor-hero who built the first real ships, and won the love of Mbovajiva, the Sea Queen.