Plot Summary in

Dziko’s Bwampini
Presented by Mtungambera
The creative story in A. E. Dziko’s Bwampini explores the composition
of three kingdoms: Heavens (Ntheradi), Earth (Sachokeka) and
Midima (Underground World). Tinjiwa, the king of Heavens and Earth
calls for a meeting where he heads the dissolution and
decentralization of his powers. The King wants the kingdom’s
responsibilities to be shared amongst the Heavenly Spirits (Mizimu).
In the end, it is agreed that Ndomondo should be responsible for the
day to day affairs of Earth (Sachokeka), while Chimpanza is assigned
to head the underground world (Midima). Other responsibilities are
shared as follows: Mapiko is chosen as the chief messenger,
Chezichezi is assigned the role of Director of Intelligence and
wisdom, Mbamba and Ching’aning’ani are chosen as storekeepers of
all war arsenals, as Mziisi takes the role of director of Warfare (War
General).
As the story develops, some socio-economical upheavals in Sachokeka
lead to war. The Kingdom of Sachokeka is split into several factions.
There is a section of Sachokeka inhabited by Angitau tribe that is led
by King Zimeze. Within Angitau faction, there is an intelligent and well-
built army general and main advisor of King Zimeze called Bwampini.
Although many councillors of King Zimeze are against decentralization
process that has been suggested by King of Kings Tinjiwa, Bwampini
reasons that Zimeze stand to benefit a lot from the arrangement and
further advises that the Angitau people of King Zimeze should organize
a thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate the leadership of Ndomondo on
the Angitau people. All people agree and a wonderful celebration takes
place among the Angitau people of King Zimeze. The heavenly kingdom
of Ntheradi also rejoice upon hearing of celebrations on Earth
(Sachokeka), thanking Ndomondo for the wonderful organization of
celebrations.
While Angitau and Ntheradi are celebrating, the other part of
Sachokeka that is inhabited by the Agangire tribe is not
happy with the dissolution of Tinjiwa’s powers, as such it
does not take part in the celebrations. The Agangire are
warlike and aggressive people. King Gangire has two male
children, Litsipa and Utwa. After being visited by three
angels from Ntheradi, Litsipa chooses to marry a very
beautiful lady, and Ching’aning’ani (one of the angels)
advises Litsipa to marry Namadanitsa, Ndaziona’s wife.
Ndaziona is King Zimeze’s brother. Litsipa organizes an army
and abducts Namadanitsa. War breaks out between Angitau
and Agangire people.
Thousands of people are killed on both sides. As fierce fighting
continues, it is observed that the Ntheradi personalities are behind
the divisions, spirited fighting and resilience among the people of
Agangire and Angitau. For example, as Pherera throws a spear at
Utwa, the whole place becomes dark as Ching’ang’ani’s powers help
divert the weapon, and Utwa is saved.
As fighting escalates, Bwampini makes a very big curving of a horse
and drives it near the gate of Gangire City called Huwa.
Namadanitsa, Ndaziona’s wife, the very cause of conflict advises the
people of Gangire that the horse harbours some people but she is
being laughed at. The horse is pushed inside the castle (enclosure) of
the kingdom. At night Bwampini advises all soldiers to come out and
they launch a guerrilla war on the Agangire people. All men are
killed. Litsipa and Utwa surrender, Chief Gangire is captured; several
young men are seized and the army takes a lot of wealth from Huwa.
After the war, Bwampini and King Zimeze take different
routes home. Unfortunately, the route that Bwampini
takes is full of difficulties. The first encounter is with
snakes. Chimadyo and several other people under
Bwampini are bitten by poisonous snakes as they
attempt to pluck fruits from a nearby orchard. All those
bitten by snakes die. Bwampini kills 10 snakes. The
remnants continue with their journey. Later they face
another obstacle: anyani-anthu (baboons that look like
people). Several people are killed and once again
Bwampini shows great prowess and expertise in the
Warfare. He kills 40 baboons. Bwampini’s soldiers also
kill a good number of baboons, so the remaining beasts
As the party proceeds with the trip, they face yet another obstacle.
They are confronted by a fierce looking gigantic human-being-like beast
called Chikutumbwe. Enticed by the nice environment and sounds of
domesticated animals like goats and sheep, Bwampini and his men try
find out the owner of the place. They get inside the cave-like building.
They do not find anyone around. But there is a lot of meat and these
intruders help themselves by cutting some pieces of meat and roasting
them. After eating meat and drinking wine, the owner of the house
arrives and closes the entrance with a heavy rock. The owner discovers
that there are some intruders. Chikutumbwe asks who these intruders
are. Bwampini responds that they are the Angitaus, and he is
Ndingolira. After devouring six of the 12 men, Bwampini devises an
escape strategy. He sharpens a pole and dips it into hot burning fire
until it becomes red hot. With the assistance of other remaining
soldiers, Bwampini pierces Chikutumbwe’s only eye and the eye bursts.
Chikutumbwe cries for help. His neighbours come and ask him
what the problem is. Chikutumbwe responds, “Ndingolira.
Akundipha kuno Ndingolira.” Then all Chikutumbwe’s neighbours
go back to their respective homes because they think
Chikutumbwe is “just crying.”
Since Chikutumbwe has become completely blind, he cannot see
Bwampini and his men going out. Bwampini and his men tie
themselves under the bellies of big goats and get out of the castle.
Bwampini and his men quickly get into their water vessels and
start off. When Chikutumbwe discovers that he has been cheated,
he follows up the intruders and throws a very big rock that misses
the target by a whisker. If the rock had hit the target Bwampini
and all his remaining men would have perished in the waters.
Chikutumbwe warns Bwampini that they would meet his father
Ndomondo in the waters who would not spare them.
As they moved on, Bwampini’s party is confronted by Nkhanu
Yolusa, a gigantic creature that looks like a crab. This beast
captures six of Bwampini’s men, all at once, and almost capsize
their boats. Although they are filled with a lot of fear, they move on.
They reach a certain place with beautiful vegetation, wild birds and
animals. After Bwampini has killed one wild game, he sees smoke,
signalling human habitation. Bwampini chooses 15 men to go and
spy on the house. The 15 men are led by Muvina, the musician. The
spying party is shocked that there are several dangerous wild
animals like hyenas, leopards, and lions which are not attacking
them. The spies get into the house where beautiful music is being
performed. Muvina stays outside and watches through the window
while the 14 soldiers get in. The 14 are given food on the table.
Then the owner of the house called Mabuta Namatsenga turns the
14 men into pigs by striking them on their heads with a rod.
Muvina goes back to inform Bwampini what has just happened. Bwampini is
very sad and angry. As he contemplates on how he can defeat Namatsenga, a
young man from the spirit world advises him to take some medicine with him,
and that if Bwampini will be given food, he should chew the roots and put some
in tBwampini goes to Mabuta and does as instructed by the spirit young
man. Mabuta strikes Bwampini on his head but he does not turn into a
pig and produces his sword to kill Mabuta. She begs for forgiveness
from Bwampini. The latter demands that she should turn his men back
to human beings. Without hesitation, she complies with Bwampini’s
demands. As Bwampini bids farewell, Mabuta begs that Bwampini’s
party stays on. After some negotiations, Bwampini and his men agree to
stay for some time. They take a bath, eat, sing and enjoy themselves.
Muvina is given a golden robe for his melodious golden voice. At the end
of the party, Mabuta provides food and clothing to Bwampini and his
men.
he food.
Bwampini and his men get into their boats. Their hopes are
restored and they start singing songs and dancing, praising their
leaders, King Zimeze and Bwampini. Then Ndomondo,
Chikutumbwe’s father capsizes the boats and all the men except
Bwampini perish. Bwampini survives by clinging to one of the
boat’s planks. The floods push Bwampini on the shores of the
land occupied by Gingiswa, one of people of Ntheradi who had
been dethroned by King Tinjiwa and had been thrown on
Sachokeka (Earth). Gingiswa takes care of Bwampini for some
days. Gingiswa wants Bwampini to marry her. Bwampini refuses
to get married with the spirit woman. He wants to get back
home where his wife Namasinkho is waiting for him. Because
Gingiswa continues pestering Bwampini, King Tinjiwa sends
Mapiko to Gingiswa to let Bwampini go.
Although Gingiswa is not happy that King Tinjiwa has ordered the
release of Bwampini, she borrows an axe and other tools for
making a boat. Gingiswa gives Bwampini food, drinks and clothes
and escorts him to the water body. King Tinjiwa orders Mapiko to
escort Bwampini to his home village. People of Buwa had waited
for a long time for the coming of their Village Chief Bwampini.
Many conclude that their Chief had died in the war. Consequently,
some men start enticing Namasinkho so that she can marry one
of them. Namasinkho remain faithful that one day her husband
would come back. Despite Namasinkho’s stand, different men
keep coming. They stay in the house of Bwampini and deplete
foodstuff and livestock at Bwampini’s home. Slowly, the number
of pigs, goats, sheep, cattle, chicken and bags of rice is greatly
reduced. Household utensils like chairs and pots are destroyed.
The leader of the men who want to inherit Namasinkho is called
Phakaphaka. He urges his colleagues to continue pressing for an
answer from Namasinkho. His arguments are that a woman does
not accept the same day. Meanwhile, Bwampini’s son, Uziona,
who was born while Bwampini was at war, joins his mother in
bemoaning loss of property in their household. He looks so sad.
King Tinjiwa has held Uziona’s concerns and sends an Angel
called Ching’aning’ani to prepare the young man for the arrival
of his father Bwampini. Ching’aning’ani explains that Uziona’s
father is not dead. He is on his way to his house to take up his
position as Village Chief. Ching’aning’ani tips Uziona that if he
sees an old man with a bald head and wrinkles on the forehead,
he should not chase him away, for that one is his father.
Meanwhile, Bwampini and Mapiko are nearing Buwa. Mapiko keeps
Bwampini busy by telling him different stories of Ntheradi and
Sachokeka. Mapiko also reveals that Chief Zimeze was killed at his
house’s doorstep upon arrival from war. He was killed by a man who
was moving out with the King Zimeze’s wife, Nachimasomaso.
Mapiko argues that the homicide was a planned action between
Nachimasomaso and the other man. As they are nearing Buwa,
Mapiko informs Bwampini that his house is under siege. He discloses
that there are a lot of men who are busy plundering Bwampini’s
property and that Bwampini and Mapiko will have to be transformed
into new personalities: Bwapini to become an old person with
wrinkled face and bald head and Mapiko to become a young person
of Buwa. After hiding Bwampini’s property, the two transformed
personalities walk towards Bwampini’s home. When they arrive at
Bwampini’s home, the first person to get out of the house to see the
ones knocking at the door is Uziona. The two strange men are given
The following morning, despite clear skies, Buwa experiences several
thunders and lightning. All people and the animals become afraid. The
people who are destroying Bwampini’s property are also afraid but they
still encourage one another to continue living in Bwampini’s house.
Namasinkho had previous night dreamt about the arrival of her husband
but she keeps it to herself.Tinjiwa sends Mziisi, Mbamba and
Ching’aning’ani to destroy the usurpers. People of Buwa see three big birds
whose size could be like dogs descending on Bwampini’s house. The three
birds land on Bwampini’s house and become two females and one male.
They all carry swords. As leader of the operations, Mziisi closes all doors
and windows so tightly that no one could get out. The three angels open
the eyes of Uziona and Bwampini such that, although they were earthly
people, they were able to see what was going on. The rest of the people
could not follow the proceedings. All the people found in Bwampini’s house
are killed and Mziisi announces that Bwampini has arrived at his house and
is right inside the house but everyone else would see him the following day.
She also announces that all people should come and correct dead bodies of
The following day, installation of Bwampini as Chief of Buwa is marked by
great feasting and dancing. Chezichezi sings songs of praise for Chief
Bwampini by highlighting his exploits in the war against Agangire, then his
prowess in defeating all obstacles on his way to Buwa including immeasurable
loss he suffers on the way. All people are sorry for the problems Bwampini
suffers on the way. Despite the sorrowful part, Namasinkho and Uziona are
particularly very happy to see Bwampini home. The following morning, Lipenga
makes a welcome speech for Chief Bwampini. Different people present their
gifts to the Chief. In response, Bwampini thanks the people for welcoming him
and promises to continue working hard for the betterment of his kingdom.
Lipenga announces that there shall be feasting and dancing in the afternoon to
mark the official welcoming ceremony of Chief Bwampini. Women prepare a lot
of delicious food to be taken while watching performances in the afternoon.
Different dances are performed. For example, men dance njazo in praise of
their Chief and young girls also perform praise songs in their houses way after
the end of the welcoming ceremony.
Assessment Exercise
Examine aspects of the Christian teachings in the story.
There are a lot of Christian teachings. However, the main one is that God
punishes whoever does evil things. For example, the whole Agangire clan
is punished for provoking Angitau. Men who destroy Bwampini’s
property are also wiped out.
Discuss the importance of the names of some characters to the plot.
Names stand for the attributes of the characters. For example, Bwampini
stands for a courageous and hardworking personality while Namatsenga
stands for someone who excels in sorcery and witchcraft, as Namadanitsa
stands for a promiscuous person or a whore who can easily spark fighting
amongst men. Even names of the gods are named after their attributes. For
example, Mapiko is a suitable name for this character for he is very fast to
react to the errands swiftly and Ndomondo is related to deadly water floods
To what extent do you agree with the assertion that Dziko’s
Bwampini is a story adopted from Greek mythologies and cleverly
translated by A. E. Dziko?

Dziko’s Bwampini is a story adopted from Greek mythologies and cleverly

translated by A. E. Dziko. There is great resemblance between A.E.
Dziko’s Bwampini and events in The Tojan War. According to classical
sources, the war begins after the abduction of Queen Helen of Sparta by
the Trojan prince Paris. Helen’s rejected husband Menelaus convinces his
brother Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, to lead an expedition to retrieve
her. Agamemnon is joined by the Greek heroes Achilles, Odysseus, Nestor
and Ajax, and is accompanied by a fleet of more than a thousand ships
from throughout the Hellenic world. They cross the Aegean Sea to Asia
Minor to lay siege to Troy and demand Helen’s return to her husband.
In the Chichewa novella, Litsipa of Agangire abducts Namadanitsa,
Ndaziona’s wife. Ndaziona is from Angitau clan and is King Zimeze’s
brother. War breaks out between Angitau and Agangire people. The cause
of war and the movements of King Zimeze and Bwampini to get back the
abducted wife are similar to what happens in the Greek mythology. The
only difference is the names of characters and places.As fighting escalates,
Bwampini makes a very big curving of a horse and drives it near the gate of
Gangire City called Huwa. The horse is pushed inside the castle (enclosure)
of the kingdom. At night Bwampini advises all soldiers to come out and they
launch a guerrilla war on the Angangire people. All men are killed. Kazione
and Utwa surrender, Chief Gangire is captured; several young men are
seized and the army takes a lot of wealth from Huwa.
• Likewise in the mythology, Greek armies retreat from
their camp, leaving a large wooden horse outside the
gates of Troy. The Trojans pull a mysterious gift into
the city. When night falls, the horse opens up and a
group of Greek warriors, led by Odysseus, climbs out
and attacks the Troy from within. As the story
progress, Bwampini faces a lot of obstacles on his way
back home. Likewise Odysseus faces a lot of problems
on his way back home.
• END OF PRESENTATION

• THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!