Known for their bizarre characteristics, African mythical creatures have been the subject of popular culture for thousands of years. These mythical monsters are some of the strangest, extremely bizarre, and terrifying creations ever, ranging from mami wata to the dreadful Impundulu, here are 5 Most Legendary Creatures From African Mythology?
1. Inkanyamba
The Inkanyamba is a huge carnivorous eel-like animal in the legends of the Zulu and Xhosa people of South Africa. The ancient legends say Inkanyambas can control the weather. They are also said to have fins and can grow to tremendous size.
2. Tikoloshe
A Tikoloshe is an evil-spirited gremlin in Zulu mythology. A shaman may send a Tikoloshe to attack his enemies, causing anything from harmless fright to illness or death. Tikoloshes are described as short hairy humanoid figures that can render themselves invisible by swallowing a pebble.
3. Popobawa
The Popobawa is a fairly recent manifestation reported in Zanzibar and Tanzania. The creature is a demon who appears as a normal human by day, and a one-eyed, bat-winged monster at night. The Popobawa attacks and sodomizes both men and women in the dark of night, and is particularly vicious to those who don’t believe in him.
4. Mami Water
Mami Wata (Mother of water) in African Mythology is often described as a mermaid-like figure, with a woman’s upper body and the hindquarters of a fish or serpent. The existence and spiritual importance of Mami Wata is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition and mythology of the coastal southeastern Nigerians (Efik, Ibibio and Annang people). According to tales, Mami Wata often try to pass as completely human, wandering busy markets or patronising bars.
5. Impundulu
The Impundulu or Lightning Bird is a supernatural bird from Pondo, Zulu, and Xhosa folklore. The South African bird is as big as a human and can summon lightning and storms, hence the name. The bird is sometimes a shape shifter that can appear as a human, and sometimes said to be a supernatural familiar that guards a witch or witch doctor. It will attack people and drink their blood. However, parts of the Impundulu or its eggs have medicinal powers.
Last Updated in November 2024
