Masupa

The Supreme God and Creator, who never showed himself. Masupa created three children—two sons and a daughter—and gave them everything they needed. They lived happily and comfortably without having to labor or struggle. Masupa’s only commandment to his children was that they should never try to see him. However, his daughter could not overcome her curiosity. Her daily task was to bring water to Masupa’s house and leave it outside the door. One day, after she placed the water pot in front of the door, she hid, hoping to get a glimpse of her father. All she saw was his arm as he reached out for the pot, but that was enough to anger Masupa. He told his children that from that time on they would have to live without him. Masupa gave his children weapons, tools, and the knowledge they would need to survive on their own. His daughter’s special punishment was to bring forth children in pain and to work hard all her life. Masupa then left his children. From that time on, people had to labor for everything that Masupa had once given them freely. With the birth of the first child, death came into the world—the child died two days after being born. (See also death, origin of.)

Taken from African Mythology A to Z – Library Binding – May 1, 2010- Second Edition – Written by Patricia Ann Lynch (Author), Jeremy Roberts Dr (Editor) – Copyright © 2004, 2010 by Patricia Ann Lynch