The BEST episodes of Shaka Zulu
Every episode of Shaka Zulu ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Shaka Zulu!
This 10-part 10 hour docu-drama depicts the life of Zulu warrior Shaka, an early 19th century soldier and King who through brilliant but ruthless tactics, united the smaller neighboring kingdoms in his Southeast African region, into a single Zulu nation. Interweaving historic fact with cultural practices, rituals, and mythologies, Shaka is revealed to be one of the greatest modern military figures on the African continent
#1 - Part 1
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/24/1986
In 1823, warriors from the Zulu Empire headed by Shaka, a brilliant but ruthless military strategist, begin to encroach on the outskirts of the colonial South African colony of Capetown, South Africa. In desperation, Capetown's Governor requests assistance from King George IV of Great Britain to bolster their tenuous position, but the British have no more resources to send. Instead, Lt. Francis Farewell, Dr. Henry Fynn and a volunteer cadre of mercenaries, explorers, and professionals are recruited and sent to Zululand to try to make contact with Shaka and assess the real threat of his storied army.
#2 - Part 6
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/21/1986
Shaka goes deep into the Nkandla forest and has a blacksmith forge a stabbing spear, given magical powers and named "Ixwa". Shaka returns to his regiment and convinces the king that his new method of warfare is woth trying. His new regiment are used against the Zulu's and win the day. Soon after Senzangakona dies and Shaka takes the throne for himself.
#3 - Part 3
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/31/1986
Dr Fynn chronicles Shaka's life and rise to power starting with the meeting and affair between Nandi and Prince Senzangakona of the Zulu's. In spite of Senzangakona's marriage to another and Nandi's fathers attempts to marry her off they continue to meet and Nandi becomes pregnant. She gives birth to a boy who she names Shaka - the beetle.
#4 - Part 2
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/24/1986
After being shipwrecked off the coast of Zululand the British are escorted to Shaka's Capitol, Kwa-Bulawayo where they meet Shaka (Henry Cele) and his mother Nandi (Dudu Mkhize). Shaka then demonstrates his power over his people and proves to Farewell he is not a man to be under estimated.
#5 - Part 4
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/7/1986
Nandi's father demands that the Zulu's recognize Nandi and the baby, Shaka. Senzangakona, now king of the Zulus takes her as his wife. However, he continually abuses Nandi until one day Shaka can take any more and threatens to kill his father. Nandi and Shaka flee and return to her people, but find themselves the object of scorn. Due to this they flee once again.
#6 - Part 10
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 12/19/1986
Nandi dies, sending Shaka into a dangerous mindset where the Zulu nation should suffer too. Farewell's party returns in 1828 to find widespread chaos and devastation, culminating in Shaka's assassination.
#7 - Part 5
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/14/1986
Shaka has grown into a fine young man. Senzangakona invites him to return to Zululand and become the heir apparent. Shaka returns, but disrupts a ceremony and is forced to flee for his life. He is taken in by another tribe and trains as a soldier. However he clashes with the generals over how to fight.
#8 - Part 7
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/26/1986
Farewell and his men become Shaka's guest's. 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 Cape town both Shaka and Farewell are both proclaimed dead.
#9 - Part 8
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/5/1986
Farewell and his men establish Port Natal on the coast. However, the men are restless and wish to return home. Shaka then forces them to join him in a war against another tribe. He uses them and there cannon to force the enemy into making the first move. This results in an overwhelming victory for the Zulu's.
#10 - Part 9
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/12/1986
After burying the dead, Farewell asks for help in building a boat to return to Cape Town. Shaka agrees but keeps most of the party (including Fynn) as hostages. On returning to Cape Town Farewell and the Zulu delegation are imprisoned by Lord Somerset. Shaka learns that his wife has given birth to a son. He has the child killed so he can never threaten Shaka's reign. Nandi however falls ill and Shaka begs Fynn to save his mother.
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