Vinyamkela (Tree spirits)

Kinyamkela (Tree spirit)
Vinyamkela (Tree spirits)
Driadi (Dryad / Dryads)
Hamadriadi (Hamadryad / Hamadryads)

Katika hadithi za jadi za Kiswahili, vinyamkela ni vizimwi vibaya vinavyoaminiwa kuishi katika mibuyu na miti mingine mikubwa. Hata hivyo, katika mitholojia ya Kigiriki vinyamkela ni nimfi ambao pia huitwa “driadi”. Vinyamkela hivi huwa warembo sana na watulivu. Kuna aina zingine za driadi waitwao “hamadriadi”. Hamadriadi wazaliwa wakiwa na kifungo kwa mti wa pekee. Iwapo mti ukifa, hamadriadi aliyehusishwa nao atafa vilevile. Kwa sababu hiyo, driadi na miungu huadhibu binadamu yeyote anayedhuru miti.

 

In Swahili folk-tales, tree spirits are evil sprites that are believed to live in baobab trees and other large trees. However, in Greek mythology tree spirits are nymphs who are also called "dryads". These tree spirits are very beautiful and peaceful. There are other types of dryads called "hamadryads". Hamadryads are born with a bond to a particular tree. If the tree dies, the hamadryad associated with it will die as well. For that reason, dryads and gods punish any mortal who harms trees.

 

mbuyu (baobab tree)

kifungo (bond)

kudhuru (to harm)