|
In Karanga, Zimbabwe there are tales of the Njuzu, which
translates to Water-Sprite. It is believed that all places were
water naturally resides are sacred and inhabited by the njuzu - the
guardians of pure water. When collecting water from a natural
source, the container must be absolutely clean otherwise the njuzu will
capture that person. Those who walk a shamanic path are required
apprentice with them for it is said that they know healing better than
anyone. Men who dream of making a sacrifice to the njuzu
must do so immediately. If they do not, if he ever goes near a
body of water again, the njuzu will rise up from the water as a
beautiful naked women. The njuzu will then seduce the man, who
will go with her willingly. He will be found dead shortly there
after. Not only do the njuzu serve as the guardians of pure water
but they also rule all of the creatures of the water (and snakes).
They are also sensitive to noise. If the area becomes too
loud, they will leave the water - which subsequently dries up forever.
When the njuzu travel, the rise up in the air & wrap themselves in
dark clouds. Once airborne they can cause destructive winds and
rain which destroys everything in their path. If a drought befalls
the land, a sacrifice of a child is required. The njuzu will take
the child and transform it into a njuzu. Other tales of how the
njuzu originate vary wildly. One tale states that the njuzu are born in
mountain caves where the rivers rise. Another tale said that njuzu
are the spirits of the dead. Aside from taking on the
appearance of humans, the njuzu can also become snakes (females) and
crocodiles (males).
|
