Long ago, when the land of Burundi was still being shaped by divine hands, Imana, the supreme being, walked among men. He traveled across the rolling green downlands of central Burundi, where the earth curved like gentle waves and the valleys sparkled with hidden streams. To the north, however, the terrain was steeper and harsher, the Rift Valley rising in jagged ridges above Lake Tanganyika. By the time Imana reached those steep hills, he was weary. He had begun creation with freshness and care, but fatigue set in toward the end, and he finished his work in haste.
In those early days, Death did not dwell among humankind. Whenever Death ventured close, Imana himself would give chase. Some versions of the tale say that he pursued Death with his loyal hunting dogs, their howls echoing through the hills. Death, forever fleeing, had no home among men as long as Imana guarded them.
One day, however, a fateful moment changed everything. Death, being hunted violently by Imana, found himself driven into a narrow path. As he fled, he collided with a woman coming from the opposite direction. Desperate and panting, Death pleaded, “Hide me, and I will hide yours.” The woman, perhaps out of pity or fear, opened her mouth. In an instant, Death leapt inside and she swallowed him whole.
Imana arrived moments later, still searching. “What has happened to Death?” he asked the woman sternly. “Did you see which way he went?”
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The woman, trembling, denied having seen him. But Imana, who was Indavyi, the All-Seeing, knew the truth. With sorrow and anger, he declared, “Since you have hidden Death, Death will destroy both you and yours.” Then he turned from her, leaving her in despair. From that moment on, Death spread across the land of Burundi, no longer chased or held back. From family to family, from generation to generation, Death became a companion to all.
This tale echoes across the hills of Rwanda as well, though there, it is said not to be Imana but a mighty king who hunted Death before he escaped into the world.
Yet the story does not end there. In those same days, Imana still lived among people. He walked their villages, spoke with them, and guided the growth of children in the womb. Life flourished under his presence. But one day, Imana created a crippled child. The parents, filled with anger, could not accept such a child as part of their family. Consumed with rage, one of them took up a knife and began to watch for an opportunity to kill Imana himself.
But Imana, who sees all things, knew their murderous thoughts. He said, with sorrow, “If they intend to behave in this way, then I shall return to my own place and no longer show myself among them. From there, I will create as I please. If they are not satisfied, let them complain among themselves.”
With that, Imana departed. He no longer walked openly with men, though some say that on rare occasions, the fortunate may glimpse him when he is unguarded. Since then, humanity has been left to face life and death without his direct presence, though his hand still shapes creation from afar.
Moral Lesson
This legend teaches two profound truths. First, it explains why death came into the world: through the actions of one woman who sheltered it, death became the inheritance of all people. It warns us of the far-reaching consequences of individual choices, for a single act can alter the fate of generations.
Second, it reveals why Imana withdrew from humankind. When people turned against their own creator, rejecting the imperfect child he had made, they severed their bond with the divine. From this, we learn humility and acceptance, that all life, in whatever form, is sacred. The story urges us to live with respect for creation, for arrogance and ingratitude can push even the most benevolent powers away.
Knowledge Check
Who is Imana in Burundian folklore?
Imana is the supreme being, creator of the land and people of Burundi.
How did Death first enter the human world in the story?
Death hid inside a woman who swallowed him while fleeing from Imana.
What punishment did Imana declare after the woman hid Death?
Imana declared that Death would destroy both her and her descendants.
Why did Imana eventually withdraw from living among people?
He left after parents plotted to kill him for creating a crippled child.
What symbolic lesson does Death’s entry into the world teach?
It symbolizes how a single human action can unleash lasting consequences for all.
Which neighboring culture shares a version of this tale, and how does it differ?
In Rwanda, the story exists but features a king instead of Imana hunting Death.
Source: Burundian folktale (Hutu, Rundi, and Tutsi traditions).
