ABSTRACT
THE Chagga name for God is Ruwa, identical with their word for the Sun. But whether the God and the Sun are identical, or whether the Sun is the dwelling-place of the God, is a question they do not seem to be clear on themselves. Though the God takes little part in the lives of humans, he is yet supreme above all other powers and the ultimate arbiter of fate. Among supernatural beings he is singular for his mercy and tolerance, as is exemplified by the role he plays in many legends. Yet he permits the subordinate spirits to afflict men for their own purposes, for they cannot harm man without Ruwa's consent, or at least not against his will. The truth is that Ruwa has long ago ceased to mingle with and care for his creatures, and they on their side seek succour from him only in extreme distress, sacrificing to him at rare intervals just such animals as he has provided them with for the purpose.
