The Chameleon, the Messenger of Life

Unkulunkulu, the First Ancestor and creator, wished for his human children to live forever. He sent a messenger to deliver the good news. For this sacred and important message, he chose the Chameleon, because it was a slow, thoughtful, and ancient creature. "Go to the people," Unkulunkulu said, "and tell them, 'Men shall not die!'" The Chameleon set off on its slow journey. Along the way, it stopped to eat the fruit of a ubukhwebezane bush. Meanwhile, a jealous spirit, who did not want humans to have eternal life, sent a different messenger, the fast and flighty Lizard. The Lizard scurried ahead, arrived first, and delivered a wicked, twisted message: "Men shall die!" Some time later, the Chameleon finally arrived and tried to deliver the true message of eternal life, but it was too late. The word of the Lizard had already entered the world and could not be taken back. This is why death is permanent for humankind. The Zulus say that is why people often kill chameleons on sight, out of an ancient anger for the message that arrived too late.