NaNgabaN Habbe (Mali) A mythic hunter who helped lead the Habbe people on their migration to the land they presently occupy. Originally a forest people, the Habbe were defeated by enemies and driven out of their homeland. According to legend, when they came to the Niger River, crocodiles came out of the river and carried all the people across it on their backs. The Habbe suffered hunger and thirst in a barren land, but finally they arrived at the cliffs and mountains that were to become their new home. Nangaban went ahead to scout the land. Another encounter with crocodiles reassured him that this was the place where the Habbe were meant to settle. He and his dogs came to a pool of water filled with crocodiles. Nangaban was ready to defend himself, but his dogs went into the water and began to drink, unbothered by the crocodiles. Nangaban drank as well, and then he went back to lead the people up into the mountains. The Habbe built houses on the cliff tops and ledges, intermarried with the cave dwellers they found living there, and established a new homeland.

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