In the beginning, Zanahary, the Creator, made the first human being, a man named Andrianerinerina. Zanahary shaped Andrianerinerina from the red earth, breathed life into him, and gave him dominion over all creatures.
Andrianerinerina lived alone on the earth for a long time, and although he had everything he needed, he felt a deep sense of loneliness. He prayed to Zanahary, asking for a companion to share his life with.
Zanahary heard Andrianerinerina’s plea and decided to create a companion for him. One day, while Andrianerinerina was asleep, Zanahary took a rib from his side and used it to form a woman. Zanahary named this first woman, Andriambavirano.
When Andrianerinerina woke up, he found Andriambavirano beside him. He was overjoyed and immediately fell in love with her. Andriambavirano was kind, beautiful, and wise. She brought happiness and balance to Andrianerinerina’s life, and together they lived in harmony, sharing the earth and all its wonders.
As time went on, Andrianerinerina and Andriambavirano had many children, and their descendants spread across the land, populating Madagascar. Their union symbolized the importance of companionship, balance, and mutual respect.
According to one of the origin myths of the Merina people from the central Highlands of Madagascar, Andrianerinerina is believed to be the son of God (Zanahary) and the ancestor of the Merina rulers.
The legend says that Zanahary’s son came down to Earth at a place called Anerinerina (north of Angavokely) to play with the Vazimba, the original inhabitants of Madagascar. The Vazimba were warned not to cook Andrianerinerina’s sheep because he couldn’t eat their meat. However, they accidentally served him a stew made from the forbidden sheep. After eating it, Andrianerinerina could no longer return to heaven.
As a result, Zanahary gave the Vazimba a choice: they could either end their own lives or accept Andrianerinerina as their leader. The Vazimba chose to serve Andrianerinerina. To complete the union, Zanahary sent his daughter, Andriamanitra, to be Andrianerinerina’s wife. Together, they became the founders of the royal line.
Other stories from The Merina people of Madagascar
Andriamanelo and the Vazimba
One prominent myth involves Andriamanelo, a significant figure in Merina history. According to the legend, Madagascar’s central highlands were originally inhabited by the Vazimba people. The Hova people, ancestors of the Merina, migrated into the highlands, coexisting peacefully with the Vazimba for some time.
Andriamanelo, born of a Vazimba queen and a Hova man, eventually led a campaign to subjugate or expel the Vazimba, marking the beginning of Merina dominance in the region. (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia).
Ralambo and the Naming of Imerina
Another important figure is Ralambo, Andriamanelo’s son, who is credited with giving the name “Imerina” to the Merina kingdom. Ralambo is celebrated for his political and cultural contributions, including the domestication of zebu cattle and the introduction of the “fandroana,” a royal bath ceremony. His reign is often depicted as a period of consolidation and cultural enrichment, setting the stage for future Merina kings (Wikipedia).
Andrianerinerina and the Divine Descent
A different myth centers on Andrianerinerina, considered the divine son of Zanahary (God). According to this legend, Andrianerinerina descended from the heavens to play with the Vazimba.
However, after eating forbidden mutton, he could not return to the heavens. As a result, Zanahary made the Vazimba choose between death and serving Andrianerinerina. They chose the latter, and Zanahary sent his daughter, Andriamanitra, to be Andrianerinerina’s wife, thus founding the Merina royal lineage (Wikipedia).
