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.^{[citation needed]}

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

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.