LIANJI
allyGod
Lianji, more often spelt Lianja, is the central hero of an epic of the Mongo and the Nkundo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, handed down orally for several centuries. The narratives attach him to his father Itonde, himself the son of Lonkundo and Ilankaka. In several versions, Lianja is born in a prodigious manner, springing from his mother's leg at the same time as his sister Nsongo, then grows up to avenge his father's death before leading his people in migration. The epic exists in many regional variants, which explains the diversity of names, episodes and spellings. The form Lianji remains rare and little attested in the available sources.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Voice of its pantheon. LIANJI carries the memory of its tradition and weaves a thread into the Mabioni. Bound to the Nkundo pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of reincarnation, embodiment of the power of Lianji
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
From which tradition does Lianja come?
From the epic of the Mongo and the Nkundo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a long narrative handed down orally and known in many variants.
What is the link between Lianja and Itonde?
Itonde is his father. Part of the narrative shows Lianja avenging his father's death before leading his people.
Why are there so many versions?
Because the epic is an oral tradition. Each region and each teller offers variants of it, whence differences of names and spelling, such as Lianja, Lianela or Lianji.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- https://africanbookscollective.com/books/the-lianja-epic/
- https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100103700