Ruganzu II Ndoli: The Story of a Great Warrior King and Magician
Learn about Ruganzu II Ndoli's magical power through different heritage sites in Rwanda.
Digital illustration of Ruganzu by Odile UweraRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Who was Ndoli?
Ruganzu, son of King Ndahiro II Cyamatare, is revered in Rwandan tradition as a 16th-century monarch who restored the Nyiginya dynasty. Not only a skilled warrior, but legends also credit him with magical abilities.
A prince in exile, hope for the defeated country
To protect Ndori, King Ndahiro Cyamatare sent him to his sister, Queen Nyabunyana of Karagwe, before his own death in Rubi rw'I Nyundo (present-day Rubavu District).
Mission of Ruganzu
Living up to his regnal name, "Ruganzu" (meaning "to dominate"), this warrior king expanded Rwanda's territory. He formed a formidable shock battalion of Ibisumizi warriors, conquering many neighboring kingdoms.
Famous Battle: War to conquer Bungwe
Seeing the kingdom of Bungwe's strong army and python-guarded palace, Ruganzu offered Nyagakecuru goats (who ate a power-giving plant). With the python weakened, he attacked.
Ikirenga Cultural Centre by Ikirenga Cultural CentreRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
How the Ibisumizi and Ruganzu celebrated their victory
Legend says atop Mount Huye lies a board game carved in rock. Here, after conquering Bungwe, Ruganzu and his Ibisumizi warriors celebrated with a game of igisoro.
Royal drum (1)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Some of the great achievements of Ruganzu II Ndoli
Ruganzu, famed conqueror of Nduga and avenger against Nsibura (his father's killer), established the Karinga royal drum and the itorero schools. He also implemented the Ubuhake system and added Bariba & Karihejuru drums.
Note: pictured is the Bariba royal drum.
The rock of Kibwe by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Ruganzu II Ndoli: A magician or an artist?
King Ruganzu's legend portrays him as a magician-king. Historical sites linked to his stories showcase these beliefs.
Utubindi twa rubona by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Utubindi twa Rubona (Pots of Rubona)
Legend says in Gatsibo's Kiziguro area, thirsty Ruganzu (traveling from Karagwe) used his magic spear to create 12 pits that provided water, which are now seen as pots.
Ikirenga Cultural Centre by Ikirenga Cultural CentreRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
At Ruganzu's footprint - Ku kirenge cya Ruganzu
The narratives say that when Ruganzu II Ndori, together with his troops arrived in this area, they ran out of drinking water. King Ruganzu II Ndori stood on a rock and drew his feet, took a bow and arrow and shot at the mountain in front of him, a stream emerged from it.
Stone (2)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The stone of Bagenge - Ibuye rya Bagenge
Local legends claim this rock once moved at night, destroying everything in its path – trees, houses, even mountains. King Ruganzu II Ndoli, wielding his magical spear, brought a halt to its rampage, forever stopping its movement.
Content development: Eric Kwizera; Rwanda Heritage Hub Trainee. Eloge Rukundo & Cedric Ngenzi, museum interns
Content Editing: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial Layout: Chantal Umuhoza
References:
. Kagame, A. (1972) Un abrege de l’ethno-histoire du Rwanda, Butare: Editions Universtaires du Rwanda
•Vansina, J. (2004) Antecedents to Modern Rwanda. The Nyiginya Kingdom, Paris: Karthala
•Nkaka, R; Kabwete, M. C. (2020, July) Sacred Kingship and Politcal Power in Ancient Rwanda. Rwanda Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities and Business
•Rwanda Heritage Sites
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