Kaikuzi

Kaikuzi or Kayikuuzi is a character in the Gandan creation myth, The Legend of Kintu. He is the son of Mugulu. His name is translated as "the digger." He is responsible for attempting to rid the Earth of Warumbe, meaning "death" or "disease."

The Legend

After Kintu succeeds in Mugulu's tests and returns to Earth with Nambi and Warumbe, he soon finds that in keeping with Gandan tradition, Warumbe, as a brother of the bride, desires one of Kintu's children as his own. Kintu refuses Warumbe and continues to do so throughout the years. Frustrated, Warumbe, then begins to kill a single child every day. After conversing with Mugulu, Kaikuzi is sent to aid Kintu in returning Warumbe to heaven. Kaikuzi grapples with Warumbe, who then retreats by burrowing into the Earth. Kaikuzi pursues Warumbe, yet soon tires of the task. Kaikuzi then orders that there be two days of silence so as to lure Warumbe out. Kaikuzi then returns to his pursuit of Warumbe who finally emerges at a place called Tanda. At this place, children cry out at the sight of him and he again retreats into the earth. Kaikuzi then appears at Tanda and becomes frustrated upon hearing that the children broke the silence. Upon Kintu's dismissal, Kaikuzi returns to heaven and explains the situation to Mugulu. Upon hearing of this, Mugulu allows Warumbe, and thus death, to remain on Earth.

References

*Thury, Eva M. & Devinney, Margaret K. (2005). "Introduction to Mythology" . Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-517968-2