Neiterkob : The Messenger

Neiterkob

Introduction

Neiterkob is regarded as a minor deity in the mythology of Maa-speaking communities, such as the Maasai. He is believed to have superior intelligence, and he can help save Engai or Enkai, who are both in the mythology of Maa. Some sources also suggest that Neiterkob/Niteru-kop, which refers to the earth’s beginning, is a reference to Enkai, who is also in the mythology of Maa.

Physical Traits

European settlers have conflicting accounts of how Neiterkob appears and describe them as very comely and appear the way an angel would. They are usually dressed in white robes, and their dark hair and skin are well kept. Their eyes are also blue, and they radiate cool relief and wisdom. Instead of being a wrathful family, they are known to bring joy to the people.

Family

The tradition of the Maasai states that Naiteru-kop is the tribe’s divinely-inspired founder. Engai asked him to ascend to the top of a mountain to get married and raise cattle. Although this is all good and fine, some sources claim that Naiteru-kop is the creator God and the first human being is Leeyio.

There is a possibility that Naiteru-kop means “The Beginner of the Planet” or even “The Goddess.” The word itself has a plausibility element, as it refers to Engai, the Earth’s creator. On the other hand, the people of the Maasai believe that God is neither male nor female, and some early missionaries might have mistakenly thought that the word meant “The Earth Mother.”

Other names

The word Neiterkob, which literally means “that which started the world,” could also refer to Enkai. He is also known as Natero-Kop, Neiterkob, Neiternkob, Neiterogob.

Powers and Abilities

Krapf’s account states that Neiterkob’s intelligence was able to reach a man known as Enjumsi, who was living on a mountain near Oldoinio. He and his wife Sambu were able to get married and raise several children. No additional details are given regarding how this man’s intelligence was able to reach Enjumsi, but it is believed that he went to Oldoinio and got married and had several children through the prayers of Neiterkob, who was the only deity in the area.

According to Krapf, Neiterkob taught Enjémsi Enauner how to tame wild cows. This led to the development of a culture and practice of pastoral living among the Kwavi’s ancestors. Krapf also states that the Wakuafi consider the mountain where Enjemasi met with Neiterkob as their home.

Modern Day Influence

Neiterkob has been modelled as playable and non playable minor characters in many modern video games. The Masaai tribe who still believe in the traditional way of life believe that Neiterkob lives on top of Mount Kenya and watches over all of them.