Zizi harina nyanga; Kungotya nyanga dzezizi nyamba manhenga

Munhu haafaniri kutya zvaasingazivi

The owl does not have horns

One must not habour fear of the unknown because things are not always what they may seem.

The owl remains a creature associated with the evils of the of the night. The fact that people usually only hear it hooting in the night but never really get to see it makes many uncomfortable. And even if they were, the bright round eyes would send a chill down anyone’s spine. However for all the fear and mystery surrounding the owl, it does not even have horns which it can use to harm people. It is in fact a harmless nocturnal creature that feeds on rodents. Hence our ancestors used this reference to highlight that there is no need to fear things that are unknown to us.

The proverb is used to dispel fear of something and promote courage to address or challenge something or someone that is ordinarily revered or feared. It is particularly useful to oneself or as advice to another to combat trepidation and fearfulness.