Voices of the kky: Birds in Lango myths and traditions
| dc.contributor.author | Agea, Jacob Godfrey | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-04-19T14:25:58Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-04-19T14:25:58Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04-16 | |
| dc.description | Bird folklore in Lango society illustrates how indigenous knowledge strengthens environmental awareness, ethical values, and community identity. Preserving traditional knowledge and reinforcing human–nature relationships support SDG 11, SDG 15, and SDG 4, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV by promoting cultural heritage, sustainability, and knowledge-driven development. | |
| dc.description.abstract | his study explored the rich and nuanced folklore surrounding birds in the Lango society of northern Uganda, highlighting their profound symbolic roles within myths, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. Grounded in Symbolic Interactionism and Ethno-ornithology, the study investigated how meanings are socially constructed around birds through everyday interactions, oral traditions, and close environmental observation. In Lango cosmology, birds are not merely ecological beings; they are also deeply embedded as messengers, omens, moral instructors, and intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through key informant interviews with 93 elders, purposively selected from various Lango sub-regions for their role as custodians of cultural knowledge. Thematic analysis revealed a wide range of symbolic interpretations associated with different bird species. For instance, an Owl (Tula) signifies both death and wisdom, while Turaco (Ongolomuge) represents forest vitality and continuity. Long-Tailed Widowbird (Ojwijwiny) is linked to courtship and attraction, whereas Crested Crane (Iwalu) symbolises harmony, love, and fidelity. Woodpeckers (Teltel/Ototok) are associated with rain prediction and perseverance, and Kingfishers (Pinycwir) signify prosperity and good fortune. Conversely, Vultures (Acut) and Ground Hornbills (Arum) are often interpreted as omens of misfortune. Doves (Awele) serve as spiritual connectors between the living and ancestors, while Weaver Birds (Ocok) embody diligence and communal responsibility. These symbolic associations reflect a deeply interconnected human–nature relationship, embedding ecological knowledge, ethical values, and social identity within cultural narratives. In the face of rapid socio-cultural and environmental change, the study underscores the importance of preserving such folklore as a vital repository of indigenous wisdom and environmental stewardship. There is thus, a need of further interdisciplinary research combining ethnography, ecology, ornithology, and anthropology to deepen the understanding of the ecological, cultural, mythical, and spiritual significance of birds in Lango culture | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Agea, J. (2026). Voices of the kky: Birds in Lango myths and traditions. East African Journal of Traditions, Culture and Religion, 9(1), 169-192. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2707-5370 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/966 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | East African Nature and Science Organization | |
| dc.subject | Lango | |
| dc.subject | Indigenous knowledge | |
| dc.subject | Bird myths | |
| dc.subject | Bird symbolism | |
| dc.subject | Conservation | |
| dc.subject | Folklore | |
| dc.subject | Ecology | |
| dc.subject | Northern Uganda. | |
| dc.title | Voices of the kky: Birds in Lango myths and traditions | |
| dc.type | Article |