“A short fiction on Ugandan folklore about resilience and redemption”
In the ancient kingdom of Buganda where the Bantu tribe resides. There roamed a joyous woman named Nantale, who fell for the charms of a native hunter whose name was Dembe. The couple united with the consecration of their families— engaged in native rituals for sustenance and sought an abode in the Mountain of Elgon through Bugisu in Buganda. They dwelled in harmony amongst the villagers aside for a wicked king of snakes that sought half of everything anybody earns.
When people fail to adhere to his demands he sent his guards with massive snakes to attack the dwellers of Bugisu. On a particular day Dembe was fed up giving half of his daily struggles and rebelled against the king of snakes, his pregnant wife, Nantale pleaded he comply with the demands to avoid troubles but he stayed stubborn.
After the sun had set, the king of snakes had not seen Dembe’s daily tax and grew furious—sending his goons into the hut of Dembe. Who ended up attacking two with an arrow bringing about a commotion in the village with the impression the king of snakes is soon to be conquered by a redeemer.
The king of snakes sent back his goons that escaped Dembe with bags of venomous snakes. They opened the sack into the window of his hut and the snakes attacked Dembe and his wife— Dembe died shortly and Nantale sustained deep injuries.
Their next-door neighbour, Amina asked her sons Amari and Dakari— to take Nantale to the forest and chant for the spirits of Kintu and Kibuka to help her. They appeared and Kintu gave her a mystical potion to help her recover, and Kibuka took care of her till she was fully recovered.
In the lunar month where the moon swallowed darkness. Nantale water broke and she delivered a boy, who was named Balondemu, he was raised by Kibuka as the spirit of Kintu paid its annual visit.
Nantale was as strong as a lioness, and wise as an old owl. She was waxed with nature and brought knowledge of Dembe’s death to the hearing of Balondemu who heard more tales about the king of snakes, a fearsome ruler that terrorized the kingdom of Buganda.
Balondemu felt destined to confront this mighty foe and succeed but was wise to seek guidance and training, but his mother Nantale could not provide this. In the coming evening, she sent him to Kibuka the old warrior who fell from the surface of earth and helped her recover in the forest.
Kibuka was moved by the bravery of Balondemu and enclosed him under his wing. Together, Kibuka and Balondemu embarked on a quest to train for the battle ahead. The days went by and Balondemu had learned how to use numerous weapons.
Under the watchful eyes of Kibuka and a visit from Kintu, the hunger for vengeance in Balondemu became fuel for strength. He learned the secrets of the King of Snakes, developed tactics to lace his agenda, and grew endurance to resist venoms and pain. Balondemu had been pronounced very strong, and set to attack the King of Snakes to deliver his village from the riddance of an evil ruler.
As soon as the day of resistance had come, the festive of Nyege Nyege when the King of Snakes would be least expectant of an attack as the people would be celebrating. Balondemu, walking with years of preparation in his mind, ventured into the palace of the King of Snakes with an unwavering determination to conquer.
A battle erupted Nyege Nyege festival, as Balondemu used his skills and magical knowledge of the King of Snakes’ weakness to strike at him. After a long struggle, Balondemu emerged victorious, forcing the King of Snakes into exile because of his defeat and bringing redemption to the doorstep of the kingdom of Buganda.
The villagers rejoiced because their dreams had come to pass and thanked Balondemu for his bravery and strength. Amina had passed but her sons Amari and Dakari recognized Nantale and thanked her for her son’s heroic accomplishment.
The tale of Balondemu: the conqueror, became a legendary saga of courage, guidance, and the triumph of good over evil. It reminded the villagers of the power of unity and the strength that can be found in unexpected friendships.
Joshua Omeke is a Poet, storyteller and performer of Arts. He has been invited to perform at LSE Firoz Lalji Institute Ubuntu Café, has been featured on Kirkus review and was accepted for a nomination at the Forward Prize.