The Betrayal, the Curse, and the True Queen #NigerianFolktales
The Betrayal, the Curse, and the True Queen #NigerianFolktales
The Betrayal: The Daughter of the Benin Kingdom
A time before this, in a village that enjoyed peace under the huge Benin Kingdom, lived a worthy and beautiful maiden, Omoruyi.
She was raised with much love by her mother Ehis and also by her dear younger sister, Aisosa. Omoruyi’s beauty and grace caught the eye of a neighboring kingdom’s very powerful Enogie who sought a marriage proposition.
The family accepted the marriage proposition and a grand traditional ceremony was done. The Enogie went back home with great anticipation for his bride.
The Betrayal: Mother’s Warning
And when she was ready to set out, her mother dressed her richly, with all the coral beads as it should be since the girl was about to honor the marriage of a king.
Before leaving, however, Ehis had given her serious warning: “Do not stray from the path; and under no condition shall you touch the waters of the sacred Ovia River.”
Omoruyi had been stirred up at the message and could only nod her head in submission.
The Journey and Betrayal
For more than Omoruyi, Aisosa was with her best friend whose name was Ehizogie and they all traveled long distances to her new home.
Along the route, suddenly, she pulled On Omololuwa aside, looking searchingly at her face.
She laughed at her dusty face and continued, saying “Let’s pass this river, and I want to cool my face with water to look fine in front of my groom.”
At first, Omoruyi hesitated, but since Ehizogie would not shut up, she had no other option left to her. Thus was the vanity given in: “Okay, we will go.”
The Betrayal@ The Forbidden Waters
As Aisosa waited for a little distance away, Omoruyi and Ehizogie arrived at the forbidden waters of Ovia.
Ehizogie encouraged her to strip off her finery and jewelry and go into the water. Trusting her friend, Omoruyi was obedient.
Just as she bent down to scoop the cool water onto her face, Ehizogie shoved her into the river! The enchanted waters swallowed her instantly, leaving no traces.
The Deceiver’s Lies
Ehizogie, now dressed in Omoruyi’s garments, returned to the road where Aisosa was anxiously awaiting. “Where is my sister?” Aisosa asked fearfully with concern.
With a feigned expression of grief in her face, Ehizogie told Aisosa, “She fell and drowned. Taken by the evil spirit.”
Silent Grief of Aisosa
Heartbroken, Aisosa gasped. When she called at what she saw, that was when Ehizogie hushed her with a spine-chilling, dreadful threat:
Fearful and grief-laden had Aisofa no option but to endure the rest of her journey in silence.
The Enogie Doubts
As soon as they arrived in the palace of the Enogie, the ruler sensed immediately that something was wrong.
“This is not the woman I saw during our wedding rites,” he thought but had to put up with all the customs surrounding his supposed bride.
Ehizogie, who now acted as Omoruyi, became queen and very soon showed herself for what she was: very cruel to a mere servant, Aisosa.
Moral Lessons on The Betrayal
- Always heed the wisdom of elders – Omoruyi ignored her mother’s warning, which led to her downfall. Listening to those with wisdom and experience can prevent misfortune.
- Beware of envy and deceit – Ehizogie’s jealousy led her to betray her closest friend. The story teaches that envy can drive people to commit unforgivable acts, but ultimately, justice prevails.
- True beauty comes from within – Omoruyi was deceived into thinking she needed to enhance her appearance to be worthy. This teaches that character and virtue are more valuable than mere physical beauty.
- Lies and deception will always be exposed – Ehizogie’s falsehood was uncovered, proving that no matter how well a lie is hidden, the truth will always surface in the end.
- Courage and persistence lead to justice – Standing up for what is right leads to justice and redemption.
- Karma and justice prevail –Ehizogie’s punishment reinforces the belief that evil deeds do not go unpunished and that Omoruyi’s eventual restoration is testimony to the fact that patience and righteousness must always triumph.
Thus the tale teaches that love, truth, and resilience shall always prevail against treachery and that faith in the justice system shall one day restore love, harmony, and peace.
