Shaka Zulu
Framed around Queen Victoria's decision on England's political stance towards the Zulu Nation, this mini-series details King Shaka's rise and fall with mythic detail. Prophecy is mixed with recorded fact regarding Shaka's birth, exile, innovations in warfare, assumption of the throne, building of the Zulu Empire, first contact with Europe and the events that lead to his downfall.
- 1986-1986
- 1 season
- Xenon Pictures
- Action & Adventure, Documentary, Drama
- TV-MA
Framed around Queen Victoria's decision on England's political stance towards the Zulu Nation, this mini-series details King Shaka's rise and fall with mythic detail. Prophecy is mixed with recorded fact regarding Shaka's birth, exile, innovations in warfare, assumption of the throne, building of the Zulu Empire, first contact with Europe and the events that lead to his downfall.
Season 1 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 1986
Episode 1
Part I
Mon, Nov 24, 1986 52 mins
As Shaka the Zulu king rises to power in 1820s Africa, the British Empire begins to see him and his empire as a threat to theirs.
Episode 2
Episode #1.2
Fri, Oct 31, 1986 55 mins
After being shipwrecked off the coast of Zululand, the British are escorted to Shaka's Capitol, Kwa-Bulawayo, where they meet Shaka and his mother Nandi. Shaka then demonstrates his power over his people and proves that he is not a man to be underestimated.
Episode 3
Episode #1.3
Fri, Nov 7, 1986 54 mins
In a flashback to 1786, Zulu Prince Senzangakona romances Nandi, a member of the neighboring Elangeni kingdom. Their indiscretions result in two children out of wedlock, including a boy named Shaka.
Episode 4
Episode #1.4
Fri, Nov 14, 1986 54 mins
Prince Senzangakona makes Nandi a royal wife but continues to abuse her, which brings a death threat from the teenage Shaka. Nandi and Shaka flee and return to her people, but are unwelcome and flee once again. Considered outcasts of two kingdoms, Shaka grows up thirsty for revenge, determined to take his father's throne by force.
Episode 5
Episode #1.5
Fri, Nov 21, 1986 54 mins
Shaka has grown into a fine young man. Senzangakona invites him to return to Zululand and become the heir apparent, but upon his return he is forced to flee for his life. He is eventually taken in by another tribe and trains as a soldier.
Episode 6
Episode #1.6
Fri, Nov 28, 1986 52 mins
Shaka goes deep into the Nkandla forest and has a blacksmith forge a stabbing spear, which he has empowered by "The Nameless One" and given magical powers. However, it is predicted that the weapon will possess Shaka. After a series of military victories, Shaka finally faces his father as he attempts to conquer the Zulu Kingdom.
Episode 7
Episode #1.7
Fri, Dec 5, 1986 52 mins
Shaka is severely wounded during an assassination attempt and Fynn saves his life. In gratitude, Shaka gives land and permission to hunt for ivory to Farewell. However in Capetown both Shaka and Farewell are proclaimed dead.
Episode 8
Episode #1.8
Fri, Dec 12, 1986 52 mins
Fynn traces the history of Shaka and the Ndwandwe king Zwide after Shaka orders the Britons to help fight Zwide, who was responsible for the death of Dingiswayo.
Episode 9
Episode #1.9
Thu, Dec 18, 1986 52 mins
Shaka agrees to help build a boat to carry Farewell and a Zulu delegation to Cape Town, where they are imprisoned by Somerset; Shaka is furious that Pampata has borne him a son.
Episode 10
Episode #1.10
Fri, Dec 19, 1986 52 mins
Shaka helps Farewell and a Zulu delegation to get to Cape Town, where Lord Somerset imprisons them; Nandi's death sends Shaka into a frenzy of destruction.
