tokole

Tokole, also known as tokolo or tokoloshi, is a mythical creature in Southern African folklore, particularly among the Zulu and Xhosa people. It is often described as a small, hairy, ape-like being or a goblin. The creature is frequently associated with witchcraft and is believed to be summoned by sangomas (traditional healers) to act as their servant or spy.

Stories about tokole vary, but common themes include its ability to become invisible or pass through small openings. It is said to be mischievous and sometimes malevolent, capable of causing harm to those who have angered a witch or sangoma. Some accounts suggest that tokole can be used for good, such as protecting a household or helping with tasks, but this is less common than its association with dark magic.

The creature is often depicted as having long claws and a distinctive smell. Its presence is sometimes believed to be announced by a specific sound or a disturbance in the environment. In some traditions, it is said that a tokole can be defeated or banished through specific rituals or by identifying and confronting the witch who controls it. The exact nature and appearance of the tokole continue to be a subject of folklore and oral tradition in the regions where these beliefs are prevalent.