If in the following story one may assume that Nyankopon is indicated by Odumakuma, as is probable because of his command over the blacksmith,[1] then it has a direct bearing on this belief.
In the beginning Odumakuma sent his blacksmith Mbusoo to make two dozen men and two dozen beasts. Finding that the making of men required much more labour than the making of beasts, he made one dozen men and three dozen beasts, and even then was much longer than Odumakuma expected.
Tired of waiting, Odumakuma sent his chief messenger Ifu[2] to see why he delayed so long. Ifu started, but coming upon his friends playing Odansam[3] at Akurrikerew[4] and being a jolly young fellow, he neither went to Mbusoo to deliver his message nor returned to Odumakuma.
Odumakuma having long expected the return of either Mbusoo or Ifu in vain, went himself to investigate matters. On his way he overtook Ifu at Akurrikerew playing the Odansam. "Anafukurantwi,"[5] called Odumakuma. "Yadom,"[6] answered Ifu. "How is it that I overtake you here? Did I not send you to Mbusoo?" For shame Ifu could make no reply, but begged his lord to pardon him and that his name might not be forgotten. Odumakuma granted his petitions and went on his way to the blacksmith. Mbusoo received him gladly and brought all his work for inspection. Odumakuma examined all carefully, and finding only a dozen men inquired if that were all. "That is all, my lord," answered Mbusoo. Odumakuma then seated himself, and Mbusoo presented each of the lifeless creatures to him for completion. Odumakuma took a green leaf in his right hand, and rubbing it between his palms dropped the sap on the eyes of the dozen men and breathed on their faces. Immediately all rose up and then seated themselves. Then turning to the left he plucked a leaf with his left hand, and dropped the sap on the eyes of the three dozen beasts. Instantly they rose up and began to run away to the bush.
