Abstract

In the present essay, I analyze “Magias do Mar,” a short story published in 2017 by Angolan writer Pepetela. Drawing from the Angolan myth of Kianda, a mythological creature believed to be the goddess of the ocean, Pepetela’s narrative evokes animism in a manner that parallels Harry Garuba’s observations on contemporary African thought. I reflect on Garuba’s work and examine how animism in “Magias do Mar” works to challenge colonial and modern Western epistemologies and practices. Of particular interest is the narrative’s reflection on the extermination of African wildlife through hunting. I conclude by arguing that Pepetela’s use of animism in “Magias do Mar” has significant implications for postcolonial ecocritical analysis.

Highlights

  • In the present essay, I analyze “Magias do Mar,” a short story published in 2017 by Angolan writer Pepetela

  • Drawing from the precolonial Angolan myth of Kianda, a creature believed to be the goddess of the ocean, Pepetela’s “Magias do Mar” engages with animism in a manner that parallels Harry Garuba’s own observations on contemporary African thought

  • According to Tylor, indigenous people do not necessarily have organized forms of religion; rather, they believe in spiritual beings, and they believe that natural phenomena—such as plants, animals, rocks, and thunder—have spirits that influence human events [284]

Read more

Summary

Introduction

I analyze “Magias do Mar,” a short story published in 2017 by Angolan writer Pepetela. Drawing from the precolonial Angolan myth of Kianda, a creature believed to be the goddess of the ocean, Pepetela’s “Magias do Mar” engages with animism in a manner that parallels Harry Garuba’s own observations on contemporary African thought. Animism in Pepetela’s “Magias do Mar” involves reclaiming a traditional Angolan myth with the goal of using it to disrupt colonial and modern Western thinking that promotes the destruction of colonized environments.

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.