 The hamerkop, a bird believed to be a manifestation of the creature | |
| Grouping | Mythical creature |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Flying animal |
| Country | South Africa |
The lightning bird or impundulu or thekwane (or izulu,[1] inyoni yezulu[2]) is a creature in the folklore of the Zulu people.[1][2][3]
The impundulu (which translates as "lightning bird") takes the form of a black and white bird, the size of a person, which is said to summon thunder and lightning with its wings and talons.[4][5][6] It is a vampiric creature associated with witchcraft, often the servant or familiar of a witch or witch doctor, which attacks the witch's enemies.[7] It is said to have an insatiable appetite for blood.[7] Sometimes it takes the form of a beautiful young man who seduces women.[1]
- ^ a b c Jȩdrej, M. Charles; Rosalind Shaw (1992). Dreaming, Religion and Society in. BRILL. p. 155. ISBN 90-04-05243-7.
- ^ a b Berglund, Axel-Ivar (1975). Zulu thought-patterns and symbolism. C. Hurst & Co. p. 49. ISBN 0-903983-48-6.
- ^ Werner, Alice (1968). Myths and Legends of the Bantu. Routledge. p. 223. ISBN 0-7146-1735-0.
- ^ Blatch, Nicky (2005-11-07). "Killer's belief in omens, spirits led to attack on toddler". The Herald. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
- ^ Miller, Penny (1979). Rosemund Handler (ed.). Myths and Legends of Southern Africa. T. V. Bulpin. ISBN 0-949956-16-3.
- ^ Beukes, Lauren (2004). Maverick: Extraordinary Women from South Africa's Past. New Holland Publishers. p. 194. ISBN 1-77007-050-8.
- ^ a b Curran, Bob (2005). Vampires: A Field Guide To The Creatures That Stalk The Night. Career Press. p. 175. ISBN 1-56414-807-6.