Long ago, in the rugged highlands of Eritrea, there lived a proud lineage known as the ʿAd Takles. They traced their bloodline to Galaydos, whose descendants gave birth to seven strong branches, and in time, an eighth that joined their kin. Though bound together by ancestry and shared history, the ʿAd Takles often allowed rivalry, suspicion, and ambition to poison their brotherhood. Their story, preserved in the memory of the Tigrean people, warns of how division can erode strength, while unity can elevate even the smallest clan.
The branches of the ʿAd Takles were many, each holding its own pride and ambition. Among them were ʿAd Jemec, son of Galaydos, whose line had once held the chieftainship with honor and authority. Alongside him were the houses of ʿAd Nauraddīn, ʿAd Derar, ʿAd Hakm, ʿAd Temaryam, ʿAd Kantebay Naseh, ʿAd Elos, and ʿAd Nasraddīn. Seven stood firmly as the children of Galaydos, while the eighth, ʿAd Kantebay Naseh, was tied by common ancestry and bound as a brother to them all.
Though their family tree was one, their branches twisted against one another. In times of discord, the ʿAd Takles split into factions. Brothers became rivals, swords were raised where embraces should have been, and bitterness left deep scars. Quarrels turned into feuds, and feuds into wars. Villages burned, herds were scattered, and bloodlines weakened under the weight of endless strife.
Yet, in other moments, they remembered their shared origin. Then, their voices joined as one, their warriors stood shoulder to shoulder, and their enemies trembled before them. It was in unity that the ʿAd Takles showed their true might. Though they were the smallest in number among the great “Three Marias,” their bravery made them feared and respected. Few though they were, they surpassed larger tribes in courage and skill in war.
But the shadow of division returned again and again. Often, their fiercest battles were not against foreign foes, but against one another. Their disputes weakened them, leaving openings for neighboring tribes to strike. Among their greatest rivals were the Habab, against whom the ʿAd Takles waged long and bitter wars. Each encounter left wounds that carried across generations. Still, the ʿAd Takles never surrendered their spirit. They remained proud, fierce, and unwilling to bow, even when their strength was thinned by their own quarrels.
The tale of the ʿAd Takles, passed down as both warning and remembrance, reminds us that kinship is a double-edged sword. Family can be the source of one’s greatest power or the reason for one’s downfall. Just as branches of a tree can shelter one another when joined, they can also wither when they twist apart.
Moral Lesson
The story of the ʿAd Takles teaches that unity is strength, while division breeds destruction. Even the smallest group, when bound together, can stand strong against larger foes. But when pride and quarrels take root, even brothers can destroy each other more thoroughly than any enemy could. From the ʿAd Takles, we learn that family ties are sacred — they must be nurtured, protected, and honored — lest they become the very chains that weaken a people.
Knowledge Check
Who were the ʿAd Takles in Tigrean tradition?
The ʿAd Takles were a proud lineage in Eritrea, descended from Galaydos, known for bravery yet plagued by division.
How many branches made up the ʿAd Takles?
There were originally seven branches descended from Galaydos, with an eighth branch, ʿAd Kantebay Naseh, tied by common ancestry.
What was the main cause of conflict among the ʿAd Takles?
Rivalry and mistrust led them to split into factions and wage war against one another.
What united the ʿAd Takles in strength?
When they set aside quarrels and stood together, they became braver and stronger than their enemies, despite being fewer in number.
Who were their main external rivals?
The Habab tribe, against whom they fought many bitter battles.
What is the key lesson of the story?
Unity brings power, but division weakens even the strongest family or community.
Source: Tigrean folktale, Eritrea.
