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.