Fumo Liyongo was a Swahili supernatural mythological hero, the son of African royalty. He was an invincible poet a standing over eight feet tall. The mystical powers and supernatural abilities of the hero Liyongo are told in many Swahili poems.
Fumo Liyongo means strong spear
At
the heart of many of the world's most enduring myths and legends is a bigger
than life hero who triumphs over obstacles. Fumo Liyongo was famous throughout
the land. He was a strong young man, beautiful and tall, he was so special he
could not be compared to any other human. Apart from the exaggerated
physical features, Liyongo is also described as humble, respectful and
obedient.
Liyongo
is similar to the tales told of the USA’s Paul Bunyan and John Henry. Liyongo
and Paul Bunyan are larger than life mythical folk heroes who symbolize
strength. Swahili hero Liyongo is perhaps the most famous character in
Swahili classical poetry.
He was an invincible poet a standing over eight feet
tall. The mystical powers and supernatural abilities of the hero Liyongo
are told in many Swahili poems. Swahili poetry or ushairi for centuries
has played a central role in Swahili society. Fumo Liyongo or Liongo Swahili
poetry has a long and rich history among the Swahili people of the East African
coast.
