Malagasy mythology

Malagasy mythology is rooted in oral history and has been transmitted by storytelling (angano, "story"), notably the Andriambahoaka epic, including the Ibonia cycle.

[3] In contrast to Andrianerinerina, the word Andriamanitra (the Merina term for "Fragrant Lord") is used to refer to revered ancestors.

[4] Malagasy cultures were generally polytheistic, and worshiped a variety of entities that straddled the line between god and revered ancestor.

The declarations or actions of ancestors are often the source of fady (taboos) that shape the social life of Malagasy communities.

The kings of some Malagasy tribes claim a blood kinship to the Vazimba, including the Merina dynasty that eventually ruled over all of Madagascar.