VI WHY PEOPLE CRY “LONG LIVE THE KING!” WHEN THUNDER FOLLOWS LIGHTNING

Sacred-Texts African   

KING SANGO was acquainted with many deadly charms, and he once happened to discover a preparation by which he could attract lightning.

 He foolishly decided to try the effect of the charm first of all on his own palace, which was at the foot of a hill.

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 Ascending the hill with his courtiers, the King employed the charm: a storm suddenly arose, the palace was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground, together with Sango’s whole family.

 Overcome with grief at having lost his possessions, and above all his sons, the impetuous King resolved to retire to a corner of his kingdom and to rule no more. Some of his courtiers agreed with him, and others tried to dissuade him from the plan; but Sango in his rage executed a hundred and sixty of them—eighty who had disagreed with him, and eighty who had agreed too eagerly!

 Then, accompanied by a few friends, he left the place and started on his long journey. One by one his friends deserted him on the way, until he was left alone, and in despair he decided to put an end to his life, which he rashly did.

 When they heard of the deed, his people came to the spot and gave him an honourable funeral, and he was ever afterwards p. 9 worshipped as the god of thunder and lightning. So, among all the Yorubas, when people see the flash of lightning followed by the sullen roar of thunder, they remember Sango’s rage after the destruction of his palace, and exclaim: “Long live the King!”