# Endnotes explained — Allan Quatermain > Chapter companion for Allan Quatermain by H. Rider Haggard. ## What happens This chapter consists of editorial notes and Allan Quatermain's annotations that provide additional context, explanations, and scholarly commentary on the Zu-Vendi culture, Zulu customs, and various events described in the main narrative. It includes references to the Masai tribe, the origin theories of the Zu-Vendi people, and clarifications on measurements and rituals. ## Themes in this chapter ### Religion and Superstition The notes discuss Zu-Vendi rituals, the worship of the sun, and the concept of a divine essence (Ptia), as well as Zulu superstitions about opening the stomach of a dead foe. ### Colonialism and the Ideal of the English Gentleman The editorial commentary and Quatermain's annotations reflect a colonial perspective, analyzing and categorizing African cultures through a Western scholarly lens. ## Character check-ins ### Allan Quatermain Provides numerous annotations throughout the endnotes, explaining Zu-Vendi customs, Zulu traditions, and other details. ### Umslopogaas Mentioned in a note about his Zulu name 'Woodpecker' and his fighting style with Inkosi-Kaas. ### Alphonse Referenced in a note about a prayer he uttered during a perilous situation, as recorded by Sir Henry Curtis. ### Sir Henry Curtis Mentioned as having written down Alphonse's prayer, which is quoted in the endnotes. ### The Masai Referenced in notes about their customs, including the use of owl hooting as a signal and the massacre of missionaries on the Tana River. ### Zu-Vendi People Discussed extensively in notes regarding their writing, rituals, marriage customs, and possible Phoenician origins. ## Key lines > Among the Zulus a man assumes the ring, which is made of a species of black gum twisted in with the hair, and polished a brilliant black, when he has reached a certain dignity and age, or is the husband of a sufficient number of wives. In Zulu culture, a man earns the right to wear a ring made of black gum and hair, polished to a shine, only after achieving a certain status, age, or marrying enough wives. _Quatermain explains the significance of the Zulu ring as a marker of adulthood and social standing._ > Alluding to the Zulu custom of opening the stomach of a dead foe. They have a superstition that, if this is not done, as the body of their enemy swells up so will the bodies of those who killed him swell up. The Zulu practice of disemboweling a slain enemy stems from a belief that failing to do so would cause the victors' bodies to swell like the corpse. _Quatermain provides a cultural explanation for a violent custom mentioned in the narrative._ > Since I saw the above I have examined hundreds of these swords, but have never been able to discover how the gold plates were inlaid in the fretwork. The armourers who make them in Zu-vendis bind themselves by oath not to reveal the secret. Quatermain has inspected many Zu-Vendi swords but cannot figure out the inlay technique, as the craftsmen are sworn to secrecy. _This note highlights the mystery and skill of Zu-Vendi metalwork._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_se/chapters/endnotes - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_se/chapters