JSTOR: Search Results. Bulletin of the School of Oriental Studies, University of London, Vol. 4, No. 2 (1926), pp. 247-255. African Mythology - myths and beliefs from Africa. Earth Many African peoples regard the earth as a female deity, a mother-goddess who rules all people and is the mother of all creatures.
The earth lives and gives birth to ever new generations of beings. She will make the grass grow when heaven gives her rain and if there is no rain, she withdraws into her own depths, waiting for better times to come. Many regions of Africa have to endure a dry season when nothing grows and death reigns. Myths and Legends of the Bantu: Chapter X: The Story of Liongo Fumo. Sacred Texts Africa Index Previous Next BISHOP STEERE wrote, in 1869, that "the story of Liongo is the nearest approach to a bit of real history I was able to meet with.
It is said that a sister or Liongo came to Zanzibar, and that her descendants are still living there. "[1] Since reading these words I have been informed that there is now at Mombasa a family of the Shaka clan and tribe claiming descent from Liongo Fumo. Swahili tales, as told by natives of Zanzibar, With an English translation. [2d ed.]