Adroanzi ('

Adro Adro (Brescian: ) is a town and ''comune'' in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy, with a traditional wine-growing vocation favored by its position in the Franciacorta area (northern Italy). Physical geography The municipality of Adro is loca ...

-children') are a group of nature and guardian spirits in Lugbara mythology. The Adroanzi are described as the children of Adroa, God of the

Lugbara Lugbara may refer to: * Lugbara people *Lugbara language Lugbara, or Lugbarati, is the language of the Lugbara people. It is spoken in the West Nile sub-region, West Nile region in northwestern Uganda, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Co ...

, though some versions of the myths describe them as the children of Adro, the dark and earthly aspect of Adroa. They are also sometimes described as the spirit of the dead. They are the guardian spirits of the dead, and are also nature spirits who frequent lakes, rivers, streams, large trees, and rocks. They also guard rain groves. They like to follow humans at night, and if a human would turn back and look at the Adroanzi, they would be killed. If left undisturbed, they were seen as helpful spirits, who would protect travelers from robbers, animal predators and other dangers. They have the form of small men and women. They were also described as having the form of water snakes, and would drown and eat humans.

References

{{Africa-myth-stub Lugbara mythology Nature spirits Legendary serpents