Tikoloshe

Tikoloshe, also known as Tokoloshe or Hili, is a "dwarf-like water sprite" in Zulu mythology. This water sprite is known to be mischievous and evil. It can even turn invisible by drinking water. With this power, it is very easy for the creature to play tricks on people without anyone knowing it's there. When called upon, they will serve the "master" and cause trouble for whoever that person wants them to. Just to show how harmful a Tikoloshe can be, let's put it like this, it's least harmful trick is scaring small children. But at its most harmful, it can cause illness, disease, and death. The only way to get rid of this sprite, is to call in a n'anga (witch doctor), with the power to banish him. According to the Zulus, the Tikoloshe can also resemble a zombie, poltergeist, or gremlin. He is most often causing mischief to schoolchildren.

The myth was started by the Zulu, although no one really knows why. There isn't much to the story besides how they cause trouble. The myth also states that Tikoloshe morphs into many different appearances to put off people into thinking he is who he is. This creature is known to prank people, scare children, rape women, and bite off sleeping people's toes. The only way to get rid of this monster is by putting a brick beneath each leg of your bed. This will only protect the person whose bed it is along with the bed itself.

This relates to the culture of South Africa because it is a South African myth started by the Zulu people. We have been learning so much about them because they are a big part of South African culture. This story is just a little bit of that culture that has spread along South Africa. It has even made some kids just nicer in general because they do not want someone to call Tikoloshe on them or have their toes eaten off.