DAY 13: AFRICA'S FOLKLORE AND STORIES
Favour Samuel@favoursamuel013556
8 days ago
According to Igbo oral tradition and historical accounts, Eri was a mystical and legendary figure who is believed to be the founder of Nri, one of the oldest known Igbo city-states.
THE STORY OF ERI, THE LEGENDARY FOUNDER OF IGBO LAND:
In the dawn of time, when the world was still young and chaotic, Chukwu, the all-powerful and all-knowing supreme deity, gazed upon humanity with dismay. The people had forgotten the ways of their ancestors, and wickedness had consumed their hearts.
Chukwu decided to destroy the world, to wipe the slate clean and start anew. But amidst the darkness, one man stood tall – Eri, a just and righteous soul.
Chukwu summoned Eri to his realm, entrusting him with a sacred mission.
"Eri, my faithful servant," Chukwu declared, "I shall give you a handful of soil. Throw it into the air, and from it, a new land shall arise. You shall establish a new settlement, and your descendants shall prosper."
Eri, with faith and obedience, received the soil from Chukwu's hands. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and cast the soil into the air.
As the soil scattered, the earth began to take shape. Hills and valleys formed, rivers flowed, and forests sprouted. The land became fertile, and the air filled with the sweet scent of life.
Eri opened his eyes to behold the breathtaking beauty of Igbo, the land he would call home.
Under Chukwu's guidance, Eri established the Igbo calendar, dividing the year into 13 months. He introduced yam cultivation, teaching his people the value of hard work and self-sufficiency.
Eri's wisdom and leadership drew people from far and wide. His community flourished, built upon the principles of unity, cooperation, and respect for the land and their ancestors.
As Eri's descendants grew in number, they spread across the land, establishing great cities and clans – Aguleri, Onitsha, Awka, and Nri. Each clan became a beacon of Igbo culture, shining bright with the values Eri had instilled.
Through generations, Eri's legacy endured. His story became a testament to the power of leadership, community, and the sacred bond between humans and the land.
And so, the Igbo people remember Eri, their revered founder, who brought light to a world in darkness. His spirit continues to guide them, reminding them of their heritage and the importance of living in harmony with nature and one another.
The story of Eri is a testament to the power of myth and legend in shaping the history and culture of a people, and it continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for the Igbo people today.
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📍Aguleri, Nigeria
