Mbidi Kiluwe
Luba · deity · mythic · deity
The black prince-hunter from the east who brings refined, sacred kingship (bulopwe) to the Luba — 'Mbidi the hunter,' the celestial/lunar master of the rain, foil to the red rainbow-serpent Nkongolo. Husband of Nkongolo's sisters Bulanda and Mabela and father of Kalala Ilunga; he returns alone to the east. Authored as a deity (a celestial/heroic culture-bringer of the charter). era mythic. (Recorded in the historical king-lists as Ilunga Mbili.)
Children
Domains
- sacred kingship
- the hunt
- rain and the moon
Powers
- Confers sacred kingship (bulopwe) by descent
- Institutes the courtesies and eating-taboos of kingship
- Hunts as the consummate aristocratic hunter
Epithets
- Mbidi Kiluwe (Mbidi the Hunter)
- the Black Prince
Relations
- spouse: Bulanda
- spouse: Mabela
- father of: Kalala Ilunga