Impundulu

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The Impundulu (or izulu[1], inyoni yezulu[2]) is a mythological creature in the folklore of the tribes of the Southern Africa including the Pondo, the Zulu and the Xhosa.[1][2][3] The impundulu, which translates as "lightning bird" takes the form of a black and white bird, the size of a human which is said to summon thunder and lightning with its wings and talons.[4][5][6] It is a vampiric creature associated with witchcraft which was often the servant or familiar of a witch or witch doctor, attacking the witch's enemies.[7] It is said to have an insatiable appetite for blood.[7] It is said to sometimes take the form of a beautiful young man and seduce women.[1]

In 2005, a South African man was convicted of culpable homicide after killing a two year old child he believed to be an impundulu.[4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Jȩdrej, M. Charles; Rosalind Shaw (1992). Dreaming, Religion and Society in Africa. BRILL, 155. ISBN 9004052437. 
  2. ^ a b Berglund, Axel-Ivar. Zulu thought-patterns and symbolism. C. Hurst & Co, 49. ISBN 0903983486. 
  3. ^ Werner, Alice (1968). Myths and Legends of the Bantu. Routledge, 223. ISBN 0714617350. 
  4. ^ a b Blatch, Nicky (2005-11-07), “Killer’s belief in omens, spirits led to attack on toddler”, The Herald, <http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/2005/11/07/news/n28_07112005.htm>. Retrieved on 25 October 2007 
  5. ^ Miller, Penny; Rosemund Handler (1979). Myths and Legends of Southern Africa. T. V. Bulpin. ISBN 0949956163. 
  6. ^ Beukes, Lauren (2004). Maverick: Extraordinary Women from South Africa's Past. New Holland Publishers, 194. ISBN 1770070508. 
  7. ^ a b Curran, Bob (2005). Vampires: A Field Guide To The Creatures That Stalk The Night. Career Press, 175. ISBN 1564148076. 
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