Reconnecting With Intore: A Simple Call to Rwanda’s Sleeping Warriors
Rwanda still carries the heartbeat of Intore the chosen royal guards who danced, fought, and guarded the land.
Their courage lives in our hills, our drums, and our blood.
Invite that legacy into your home, build a humble altar and stand taller everyday.
All you need is a clear heart and respect.
“Uwububa abonwa n’abashiraju.” — Kinyarwanda proverb
(A crouching person is seen by the brave.)
Table of Contents
- Who Were the Intore Warriors?
- Picking a Good Spot for Your Warrior Altar
- Simple Items That Call Intore Power
- Daily Rituals, Short and Strong
- Practical Ways: Build It in Five Minutes
- Answers for Rwandan Homes
- Closing Word: Time to Rise and Guard the Hills
Who Were the Intore Warriors?
Intore simply means The Chosen.
They trained in dance, spear work, and high leaps. Their shows were more than just a dance, they were practice for battle and prayer for victory.
The Colonial masters tried to silence them. The 1994 tragedy broke many lines in Rwandan history. Yet the spirit of Intore did not die. Today, cultural troupes still dance the steps, and the land still waits for brave hearts always.
Honoring Intore with pure intension brings back courage, unity, and pride into every Rwandan home.
Picking a Good Spot for Your Warrior Altar
Choose a place where you can stand up straight:
- A shelf by the front door so courage greets you first.
- A table facing the sunrise new day, Renew strength.
- A clean corner on the veranda if you need fresh air and privacy.
Keep the space very neat. Warriors love order.
A clear spot equals a clear spirit.
Simple Items That Call Intore Power
| Item | Meaning | Easy Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden spear or stick | Protection, firm action | Fresh bamboo pole |
| Small drum or drum photo | Heartbeat, unity | Phone picture in a frame |
| Red cloth strip | Vitality, battle fire | Any clean red ribbon |
| Lion-mane wig (sisal) | Royal courage | Twisted sisal rope |
| Sorghum or banana beer | Strength offering | Cold water if no beer |
Plus: one white candle (light) and one glass of water (spirit bridge).
Intent beats expense, use what you have, but use it with dignity.
Daily Rituals, Short and Strong
- Light up the candle at sunrise or sunset.
- Hold the spear upright and say in Kinyarwanda:
“Ndi Intore y’abakurambere!” (I am the warrior of my ancestors!) - Tap the drum once (or tap your chest) so the hills hear you loud.
- Pour a small sip of beer or clean water on the ground:
“Munywane nanjye.” (Share with me.) - Stand tall for one minute. Breathe deep. Feel the courage rise inside you.
Blow the candle off softly or pinch it out, no rushing.
“Umugabo atinya inganzo, atinya intore.” — Kinyarwanda proverb
(One who fears the drum fears the warrior.)
Daily respect keeps warrior power awake inside you.
Practical Ways: Build It in Five Minutes
Wipe a small shelf clean.
Spread a clean red cloth.
Place a candle, glass of water, and stick.
Add any one of Intore symbol (drum pic or sisal rope).
Speak:
“Courage of Intore, guide this home. Turi kumwe.” (We are together.)
That is enough to open the door today.
Quick Help for Rwandan Homes
Q1: Can women set up this altar?
Yes. Intore spirit is for anyone dares to remember and stand brave.
Q2: I have no spear. What now?
Use a straight branch or broom handle for now. Respect and determination is the key.
Q3: Is this against my church practice?
It is not worshipping idols. It is respecting your ancestors and your roots.
Q4: I feel heat when I pray—okay?
Yes. Energy moves always. Drink chill water, touch the sand, and thank the spirits.
Q5: Can children join?
Yes, if they are calm and respectful. Show them the way early.
Closing Word
“Inkuba itera aho igiye.” — Kinyarwanda proverb
(Lightning strikes where it is aimed.)
Aim your spirit. Stand tall like the hills of Rwanda.
Light the candle. Guard your life as Intore once guarded the king.
To all my Rwandan people: peace and love
Leave a comment: Which item will you place first on your Intore altar?
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