The bird of Heaven

The plot follows the training and growth in power of Mandla, son of Ingwe. Although it is superficially a fantasy adventure with some magic realism thrown in, it also deals with archetypes representing the struggle between innocence and corruption; transition from boyhood to manhood; the relationship between a boy and his distant father (a leopard in the body of a man); self-empowerment through the gifts of our ancestors (the muti bag); and the transcendent victory of a noble spirit (the lightning bird). The plot culminates to conclusion at the Incwala festival, which the author describes in vivid detail. This event expresses the spiritual identity of the Swazi nation and informs the Swazi world view.