In the beginning, Bumba was alone, and darkness and water covered the all earth. Bumba came to feel an intense pain in his stomach, which caused him to vomit up the sun, the moon, and stars. Light flooded the world, yet Bumba still felt ill. He vomited once more, bringing forth nine animals: the leopard, the eagle, the crocodile, the fish, the tortoise, a black leopard-like animal, a white heron, a scarab, and a goat. These nine animals went on to create all the world's creatures. Bumba also vomited many men, who in turn helped to create the world. Once the creation was complete and peaceful, Mbombo delivered it to mankind and retreated into the heavens.