DINGA
allyHero
Dinga is a figure of West African oral tradition, attached to the legendary cycle of the hero Marain Jagu, handed down among the Soninke and in the Senegalo-Manding area. Presented as a powerful sorcerer, sometimes as a magician-king, he initiates Marain Jagu into the arts of magic and puts his mastery to the test. According to one episode, he asks three spirit-women to enclose his vital essence and the hero's in a jar in order to compare their powers. The entity remains modestly attested, known above all through this tale rather than through a cult or a structured pantheon.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Weaver of the invisible threads. DINGA handles the subtle energies and teaches the language of correspondences. Bound to the Senegal pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of vegetable ivory, amethyst and sacred wood, engraved with symbols of magic, embodiment of the power of Dinga
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who is Dinga in West African tradition?
A sorcerer, sometimes described as a magician-king, who instructs the hero Marain Jagu in the arts of magic and tests his powers.
Is Dinga a god?
No. The available sources make him a tale character, a master of magic, and not a deity of an organised pantheon.
What is known precisely about him?
Little. He is known above all through the cycle of Marain Jagu, in which he tests the hero's powers. The details vary with the oral versions.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- mythologica.fr, pantheon africain (lettre D)
- Tradition orale du cycle de Marain Jagu (aire soninke et senegalo-mandingue)