The Lizard and the Warrior's Shield

A young warrior was preparing for his first battle. He had a fine spear and a strong cow-hide shield. As he was practicing, a small, colorful Lizard ran up his shield and sat in the very center. The warrior tried to shake it off, but it clung fast. He grew angry and was about to crush it when an old diviner (isangoma) stopped him. "Do not harm that lizard," the old man said. "It is a spirit (ithongo) that has chosen you. Its presence on your shield is a sign of good fortune. Take it into battle with you." The young warrior was skeptical but obeyed. In the battle, an enemy threw a spear aimed directly at his heart. But the spear struck the very spot on the shield where the lizard was sitting. The spearhead hit the lizard and was deflected, saving the warrior's life. He understood then that the lizard was his spiritual protector. From that day on, he painted the image of that same lizard on his shield, and it became the symbol of his clan, a reminder that one's greatest protection can come in the smallest and most unexpected form.