The Eagle That Carries Prayers

The Shona believe that the creator, Mwari, lives far away in the heavens and does not always hear the prayers of men. An old woman, whose village was suffering, wanted to send a message to Mwari. She wrote a prayer on a piece of bark. She asked all the birds to carry it for her. The Dove was too gentle, the Ostrich could not fly, and the Hawk was too impatient. Then she saw the great Eagle, Gondo, circling high above, so high it seemed to touch the sky. "Great Gondo," she pleaded, "you fly closest to Mwari. Please, carry my prayer." The Eagle agreed. It took the piece of bark and soared higher and higher until it disappeared from sight. A few days later, rain came and the village was saved. The Shona believe that the great Bateleur eagle (Chapungu or Gondo) is the messenger of Mwari. When it circles high above, it is not just hunting; it is carrying the messages and prayers of the people up to the heavens. Seeing one is a powerful omen.