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The Tikoloshe


According to Zulu mythology, The Tikoloshe or Hili is a dwarf-like water spirit, covered in fur with long talons and a bony spine reaching all the way down its back from the top of its skull

It also has glowing red eyes, emits a foul stench and speaks in a rasping voice. Fear of them is such that many people will not sleep on the floor, and will raise their beds higher by placing bricks underneath the legs. This enables them to see one hiding underneath the bed before they retire for the night. There's a good reason to fear a Tikoloshe - it is claimed they will climb into the bed with the inhabitant and bite off a sleeping man's toes and have their way with his wife

Some people will not even mention the name Tokoloshe for fear of summoning this extremely unwelcome guest. A person can summon on to inflict harm upon another, and if this happens then a witchdoctor - may intervene
and chase the evil being away. Although only the victim and the culprit dealing with it can see a Tikoloshe, the creature is clearly visible to children and a friendship can develop between the two. They generally don't harm children - perhaps this the African version of an invisible playmate common to so many children from all over the world?
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