When morning came, the people saw Aluel. She had returned from the realm of the Sun, more radiant than before. News of her spread quickly. Men came with gifts and cattle, seeking her hand.
Among them was a handsome youth named Ring, who declared, “I will marry her.” But Aluel told her father, “I cannot marry. You suffered too much because of me. If I leave, you will be alone. I must stay with you.”
Chol wept but said, “My daughter, a woman must marry. That is our way.” Still, he refused to give her to anyone, remembering the Sun’s warning.
Ring grew impatient. “Old man, why do you keep your daughter? Do you want her yourself? If you do not give her to me, I will take her by force!”
Chol flared with anger. “You are only a boy. How dare you speak so? I raised her alone when her mother died. I will not give her to you.”
READ: Aluel and Her Loving Father: Orphaned and Raised Alone READ: Aluel and Her Loving Father: Life with the SunRing challenged him: “Then we must fight!”
The people tried to stop them, but both took up spears. They fought fiercely, thrusting, parrying, bleeding. At last, Chol struck Ring down. But as the youth fell, he drove his spear into Chol’s chest.
READ COMPLETE FOLKTALE: Aluel and the Sun: A Dinka Folktale of Love, Loss, and Betrayal
Both collapsed.
Aluel ran to her father’s side. He gasped, “My daughter, forgive me. My love for you has destroyed me. Remember me.” Then he died.
Ring, too, whispered, “I loved you,” and breathed his last.
The people buried them both with honor. Aluel was left alone, pitied by many, whispered about by others: “She is cursed. Wherever she goes, sorrow follows.”
Thus the Dinka tell of Aluel and her loving father — a tale of devotion, jealousy, and the tragic cost of love.
Moral of the Story (Part Three)
Excessive love and unchecked pride can lead to destruction, while jealousy and anger often bring grief not only to families but to whole communities.
Knowledge Check (Part Three)
Q1: What happened to Aluel after she returned from the Sun?
A1: She was radiant with beauty, and many suitors desired her.
Q2: Who was Ring, and what did he want?
A2: A handsome youth who wanted to marry Aluel.
Q3: Why did Chol refuse to give Aluel in marriage?
A3: He remembered the Sun’s warning and wanted to protect her.
Q4: How did the conflict between Chol and Ring end?
A4: Both struck each other fatally in a spear fight.
Q5: What were Chol’s last words to his daughter?
A5: He asked forgiveness, saying his love for her had destroyed him.
Q6: How did the people view Aluel afterward?
A6: They pitied her but also whispered that she was cursed.
