Mwindo, or as he names himself "Little One Just Born He Walked," goes on a rather odd journey to many different lands and realms meeting, what Otto Rank would denote as, many father figures (and not quite so many mother figures).
Father Figures:
Shemwindo- Mwindo's actual father. Mwindo has to chase his murderous father through several realms and face many challenging trials in order to catch him and achieve forgiveness and fatherly approval. In a sense, Mwindo is growing up.
Mukiti- Water snake that marries Mwindo's Aunt Iyangura and 'steals her away.' Rather, the 'father' is taking the 'mother's' attention away from her 'son.' Mwindo has to defeat Mukiti before he can gain Iyangura's attention.
The Baniyana- Mwindo's blacksmith uncles. They create armour for Mwindo to protect him in battle. They are his protective 'fathers.'
Muisa- The dark, abusive 'father.' He forces Mwindo through a series of demanding tasks and then punishes his success. At one point in the story, Muisa actually beats Mwindo to death and his scepter must bring him back to life.
Shemburungu- Creator god/Father of all. Mwindo is more mature when he meets Shemburungu. He almost humbly beats him at gambling and is rewarded with the location of Shemwindo.
Mother Figures:
Iyangura- Mwindo's aunt. She provides Mwindo with motherly love, a home-cooked meal, and helps him return home from the underworld.
Nyamwindo- "Preferred One." Mwindo's actual mother. She is somewhat of a weak mother seeing as she doesn't really stand up to her husband who thrice tries to murder their son. Her inability to protect her son explains his astounding independence at a very young age.
NOTE: Yes. I wrote MJ#6 after MJ#7. I am aware.
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