Mythology· Codex · Spirit

Tokoloshe

Zulu & Xhosa (South Africa) · Southern Africa

A mischievous and often malevolent dwarf-like spirit from Zulu and Xhosa folklore. The Tokoloshe can become invisible by drinking water and is blamed for illness, misfortune, and even death. It is said to attack sleepers at night, which is why some people elevate their beds on bricks.

Other tellings

1 recorded

Mythology· Long-Form Article

Tokoloshe - Fear, Witchcraft, and the Unseen Forces of Zulu Society

In Zulu belief, the Tokoloshe is a small, hairy water spirit said to bring illness and bad dreams in the night. Feared as it is, it also helps keep order, often blamed when envy or ill will is suspected behind a household's misfortune.

Tokoloshe

Other tellings

Tokoloshe - Fear, Witchcraft, and the Unseen Forces of Zulu Society

Comments

See also

Articles

Tokoloshe - Fear, Witchcraft, and the Unseen Forces of Zulu Society

Zulu: From Trickster Spirits to Lightning Birds

Izangoma: Zulu Sole Voice to the Ancestors

Codex

Podcast

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Challenges

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