Exploring the divine: a deeper look into religious motifs in Siswati poetry

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate interplay of divine themes within Siswati poetry, emphasizing how religious motifs shape cultural identity and expression. Siswati, a language rich in oral traditions, serves as a vessel for spiritual narratives that reflect the beliefs and values of the Swazi people. Through a critical analysis of selected poems, this study examines the representation of divine figures, the use of metaphors drawn from religious texts, and the incorporation of indigenous spirituality. This paper explores the intricate interplay of divine themes within Siswati poetry, emphasizing how religious motifs shape cultural identity and expression. Siswati, a language rich in oral traditions, serves as a vessel for spiritual narratives that reflect the beliefs and values of the Swazi people. Through a critical analysis of selected poems, this study examines the representation of divine figures, the use of metaphors drawn from religious texts, and the incorporation of indigenous spirituality. The research seeks to understand how these elements convey both personal and communal experiences of the divine while addressing broader societal issues such as morality, justice, and resilience. Ultimately, this exploration reveals profound ways in which Siswati poetry articulates the spiritual landscape of Swazi culture, inviting readers to reconsider the relationship between literature and faith in a contemporary context. Additionally, the analysis of religious inspiration in Siswati's poetry touches on themes of uncertainty, religion, and God. These ideas often arise when considering the afterlife, supernatural powers, and the forces that govern our daily existence. The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of religious themes. Additionally, a text-oriented method allows for the literary work to be revealed through the placement and diction of the poem.

Keywords: {'name': 'religious themes, poetry, poet, internal structure, examination, external structure idioms, and proverbs.'}

Authors & affiliations

Khulisile Nkuna
Affiliation not supplied

Innocent Zitha
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

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DOI: 10.4102/lit.v25i2.259

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