Malagasy mythology is rooted in oral history and has been transmitted by storytelling (angano "story"), notably the Andriambahoaka epic, including the Ibonia cycle. The people of Madagascar traditionally believe in a creator god denoted by the word Zanahary. Division of heaven and earth between the Creator and a rebellious culture hero is a frequent theme of myths outside Imerina. In contrast, Andriamanitra (in Merina dialect: "Perfumed Lord"), is a word often used to refer to Jesus among Malagasy Christians, and has historically also been used to refer to revered ancestors. In Madagascar, numerous creation myths explain the origins of particular ethnic groups, such as the tale that traces the lineage of Merina kings back to Andrianerinerina, said to be the son of God incarnate.