NDRIANANAHARY
allyGod
Ndriananahary, more often written Andriananahary or Zanahary, is the supreme, creator god of Malagasy mythology. A celestial deity, he is presented as the creator of the sky, the earth and all they contain, and his name means approximately the one who created. In the creation myth, he gives life and breath to human beings whose bodies were shaped in clay by the earth deity, Ratovantany. At death, the souls rise towards the sky or the sun to the celestial god, while the bodies return to the earth. One tradition tells that he sent his son to explore and people the earth. A central figure of the cult of the ancestors, his name still serves today to designate God among many Malagasy, alongside Andriamanitra.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Mother of the soil. NDRIANANAHARY holds the fertility of the earth and blesses wombs and seeds. Bound to the Malagasy pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of supreme, embodiment of the power of Ndriananahary
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ndriananahary in Malagasy mythology?
He is the supreme, celestial god, creator of the sky and the earth. His name, also written Andriananahary or Zanahary, means approximately the one who created.
What is his role in the creation of humanity?
He gives life and breath to human beings, while the earth deity Ratovantany shapes their bodies in clay.
What becomes of the human being at death according to this myth?
The soul rises towards the sky or the sun to the celestial god, while the body returns to the earth. This division nourishes the cult of the ancestors.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Wikipedia, article Zanahary et article Malagasy mythology
- Wikipédia, article Andriamanitra