The group of warriors depicted in Thomas Mofolo’s Chaka, An Historical Romance originate in about 1670 (“Zulu”). Known as the “Zulu,” these people are a large group consisting of an estimated 10 million members in Southern Africa (“Zulu”). Along with this, the demographic refers to themselves as “the people of the heavens,” and they experienced a large amount of success underneath the leadership of Shaka following the death of his father, Senzangakhona, in the 19^th century (”Zulu”). At the start of his reign in 1816, there were only approximately 1,500 members (“Zulu”). By the end of Shaka’s ruling in 1828, an army of 50,000 men emerged, and were successful due to the military tactics of their leader (“Zulu”). Shaka was murdered by his brothers in 1828, which ended his rule (“Zulu”). Outside of this, the Zulu people have a rich culture consisting of various customs; this includes music, dance, and the importance of snakes in terms of communication with their ancestors (“Zulu”). What one may be surprised about is their eating habits; they rarely eat meat (“Zulu”). Their meals consist mostly of vegetables and grain; oxen are only killed to celebrate a special occasion for the people (“Zulu”).

By understanding the Zulu people in this regard, my understanding of Chaka, An Historical Romance is deepened. It is because I now know the historical aspects related to the story. Before, I had to treat the author as the best authority on the subject, but now I have substantiation for some of the scenes presented in the work, itself. In addition to this, I think it is good for the sake of differentiating reality and spectacle present within Mofolo’s work.

Works Cited

Mofolo, Thomas. Chaka. Oxford University Press, 1931.

“Zulu.” South African History Online, https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/zulu#:~:text=The%20word%20Zulu%20me....

“Zulu.” Zulu - African Culture, https://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_zulu.html#:~:text=Zulu%20beliefs%20a....