Growing up in Nigeria, we got exposed to a lot of cultural myths. I think some of these will make great materials for novels and movies like "Lord of the rings" lol etc.
Do you believe in MYTHS?
Myths are tales made up in the past to explain natural events or in order to justify some social or religious beliefs. Although myths are considered to be untrue because they lack scientific proof or the main source of the myths cannot be traced, many people even in this 21st Century still believe in myths.
In Nigeria, the belief in myths stem from perhaps the fear of the unknown therefore no one wants to be the first to test a myth in order to prove its authenticity or otherwise.
If you know any good myths or legends share them here in brief.
Here are some I know:
1. Moving Trees - In northern Nigeria (Zaria) where I schooled there was a myth about big baobab cotton trees that moved at night and kidnap anyone whom the catch lurking about and imprison them in their trunks.
2. Inedible Fish - In Kogi state, there is said to be a river called the "Inachalo River" (or something of the sort. The legend is that the river is cursed and no matter how long one boils a fish caught from that river it will always remain raw. It is also said that any injury which a person receives from the bones of the fishes from the river will never heal.
3. Forbidden Orchad - There is said to be a wild enchanted orchard in the forests of Benue state where bountiful fruits grow all year round. Anyone who finds it may eat to his/her fill but if you attempt to remove so much as a seed from there then you will remain lost until you eat it or throw it down.
4. It was believed in the north that when a whirl wind is blowing, if one is bold and agile enough to run into the eye of the storm and catch leaves swirling around, it would turn to money.
please share some of yours.
Do you believe in MYTHS?
Myths are tales made up in the past to explain natural events or in order to justify some social or religious beliefs. Although myths are considered to be untrue because they lack scientific proof or the main source of the myths cannot be traced, many people even in this 21st Century still believe in myths.
In Nigeria, the belief in myths stem from perhaps the fear of the unknown therefore no one wants to be the first to test a myth in order to prove its authenticity or otherwise.
If you know any good myths or legends share them here in brief.
Here are some I know:
1. Moving Trees - In northern Nigeria (Zaria) where I schooled there was a myth about big baobab cotton trees that moved at night and kidnap anyone whom the catch lurking about and imprison them in their trunks.
2. Inedible Fish - In Kogi state, there is said to be a river called the "Inachalo River" (or something of the sort. The legend is that the river is cursed and no matter how long one boils a fish caught from that river it will always remain raw. It is also said that any injury which a person receives from the bones of the fishes from the river will never heal.
3. Forbidden Orchad - There is said to be a wild enchanted orchard in the forests of Benue state where bountiful fruits grow all year round. Anyone who finds it may eat to his/her fill but if you attempt to remove so much as a seed from there then you will remain lost until you eat it or throw it down.
4. It was believed in the north that when a whirl wind is blowing, if one is bold and agile enough to run into the eye of the storm and catch leaves swirling around, it would turn to money.
please share some of yours.
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