Long ago, in the dense forests near Benin City, there lived a hunter named Eweka. Renowned for his courage and skill, Eweka was respected by his village for providing food and protection. Yet beyond the trees and rivers that cradled their home, a shadow stirred — a giant python, sacred yet fearsome, that had begun to terrorize nearby villages, swallowing livestock and frightening the people.
Eweka grew up hearing tales from his father about the sacred python that lived in the forest’s heart. “The python is not just a beast,” his father warned, “it is a guardian spirit of the forest. To harm it without respect is to invite misfortune.” But young Eweka, proud and fearless, believed that courage meant facing any danger head-on.
By his early twenties, Eweka had proven himself a skilled hunter. His arrows flew swift and true, his traps clever and precise. Villagers trusted him to bring back game, and his name was spoken with admiration. Yet the tales of the python loomed like a dark cloud over his village.
The python had been growing bolder. At first, it was livestock—goats and chickens mysteriously disappearing. Soon, villagers reported hearing the giant serpent moving through the underbrush, its hiss echoing in the night. Fear took hold, and some elders whispered that the python was angry, disturbed by human encroachment.
One evening, a frantic messenger arrived at Eweka’s hut. A neighboring village had suffered a great loss. The python had attacked at night, swallowing a child whole before disappearing into the shadows. Horror and panic spread like wildfire.
The village chiefs called a meeting. Some argued for killing the python at all costs. Others pleaded for caution, fearing angering the forest spirits. Eweka, fueled by both pride and a sense of duty, volunteered to track the python and end the threat.
Before he left, the village priest gave him a warning. “This is no ordinary snake,” the priest said solemnly. “It is sacred, and its wrath is great. Approach with respect, or you will bring disaster.”
Eweka nodded, but deep down, he wondered how a snake, no matter how large, could inspire such fear.
Eweka set out at dawn, carrying his spear, bow, and a small pouch of sacred herbs given by the priest. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds, insects, and rustling leaves. Yet beneath this vibrant life, Eweka sensed a hidden tension, as if the trees themselves were watching.
Days passed as he tracked the python’s trail — broken branches, huge shed skins, and deep slither marks in the mud. Each sign grew more daunting. The python was enormous, longer than any creature Eweka had seen, its scales shimmering like dark jewels.
At night, by the fire, Eweka remembered his father’s stories about the python’s powers. It was said the serpent could disappear into the earth, or wrap itself around a tree like a giant vine. It was a guardian of the forest, punishing those who showed disrespect.
Still, Eweka’s resolve did not waver. “I will protect my people,” he told himself. “And if the python is truly a spirit, then I will face it with honor.”
On the seventh day, deep in the heart of the forest, Eweka came upon a clearing. The ground was disturbed, the air thick and heavy. Suddenly, a low hiss echoed. From the underbrush emerged the python, massive, gleaming, its eyes reflecting the firelight like ancient gemstones.
Eweka’s heart pounded, but he stood firm. He raised his spear and called out. “Python! I come not to harm you without cause. But you threaten my people. We must find peace.”
The python’s tongue flicked, sensing the hunter. Then, in a voice deep and rumbling, it spoke — for this was no ordinary serpent but a guardian spirit. “You speak boldly, human. Many have come with weapons and anger. Few have sought to understand.”
Eweka lowered his spear slightly, surprised by the python’s words. “I am brave, but I seek wisdom too. How can we live without fear?”
The python replied, “The forest and your people are bound. When you respect the balance, there is peace. When you take without care, the forest will strike back.”
Eweka nodded. “What must I do to restore harmony?”
The python laid down, its enormous head resting on the earth. “First, you must bring offerings of kola nuts, yams, and palm wine to the sacred grove. Then, you must promise to protect the forest and its creatures. Only then will the python cease its attacks.”
Eweka agreed, humbled by the serpent’s wisdom. He returned to his village to gather the offerings and spread the message of respect for the forest.
At the sacred grove, a ceremony was held. Elders and hunters alike offered gifts to the python spirit, pledging to honor the forest’s laws.
From that day, the python was never seen attacking livestock or people again. Instead, it became a symbol of protection, reminding all that courage is balanced by respect.
✧ Commentary
This Edo folktale highlights the deep relationship between humans and nature in African traditional beliefs. The python is not merely a beast but a guardian spirit, embodying the sacredness of the forest. Eweka’s transformation reflects the ideal balance of courage and respect, a recurring theme in many West African oral traditions. The story teaches that true strength lies in harmony, not dominance.
✧ Moral
Respect for nature and humility towards its powers lead to peace and protection, while arrogance invites conflict.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Who was Eweka in the story?
A: Eweka was a brave hunter from an Edo village, known for his courage and skill.
2. Why was the python attacking the villages?
A: The python was disturbed and angry, attacking livestock and people as a warning.
3. What warning did the village priest give Eweka?
A: The priest warned that the python was sacred and must be approached with respect to avoid misfortune.
4. How did Eweka finally confront the python?
A: He approached it with courage but also sought to understand and respect the python’s power.
5. What was the pact between Eweka and the python?
A: Eweka and his village promised to offer gifts and protect the forest to live in harmony with the python.
