The Battle of Blood River took place on December 16, 1838, between the Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch-speaking settlers in South Africa, and the Zulu Kingdom. The Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius, sought to establish their own territory and were confronted by a large Zulu force. The battle occurred near the Ncome River, which is also known as Blood River due to the bloodshed that ensued. The Voortrekkers, numbering about 470 men, used defensive tactics and firearms to their advantage, resulting in a decisive victory against the Zulu warriors, who were armed primarily with traditional weapons. This battle is significant in South African history, symbolizing the Voortrekkers' struggle for independence and their belief in divine support, which they commemorated annually as the Day of the Vow.