Tradition / Region: Sudanese Mythology
Alternative names: Muyar
Category: Lion
The Myth
Miyar was a powerful lion-chief from Dinka folklore who ruled over a hidden settlement of lions living like human cattle-herders deep in the wilderness. He was the son of Yor, a lion warrior, and the nephew of a lioness who had once raised two human brothers named Deng.
After the lioness was killed by her own son for attacking his human foster-brother, Yor came seeking revenge but was himself slain. Before dying, Yor warned that his son Miyar would someday avenge him.
Miyar later became chief among the lion people. His cattle-camp was feared and well known, and both lions and strange hornless cattle lived under his rule. These hornless cattle were believed to belong to the lions and could themselves become lions and lionesses.
The two brothers eventually traveled into the land of the lions to confront Miyar before he could attack them first. Carrying only axes and a club, they searched through lion settlements while singing a song announcing themselves and the deaths of Miyar’s relatives.
When Miyar finally heard the song, he recognized Deng immediately and came out to meet him. Instead of attacking like a wild beast, Miyar chose to wrestle as though he were human. The two fought for a long time before Deng threw Miyar to the ground. Deng’s brother then struck Miyar in the head with an axe and killed him.
After Miyar’s death, panic spread through the lion camp. The lions fled into the wilderness, and the hornless cattle transformed into lions and disappeared with them into the forest. Only ordinary horned cattle remained behind for the brothers to take home.
Sources
Deng, F. M. (1974). Dinka folktales: African stories from the Sudan. New York: Africana Publishing Company.