women; but, I went and took away the food. The reason is, because they are the ones who tried to kill the children. I brought them up from childhood to be men as now. So, this caused me to bring this case before the presence of all people; for, I say that those two women were murderesses. So, then, my father, these are your children; but, if you retain those women, these two twins shall not be your sons."
Upon this, the father of Mbwa said, "Catch ye both of the women!" And they were bound in that self-same hour. (They had supposed that the twins had died when they had struck them in the hamlet of Mbwa's mother.) They could not deny. In their anger, as they were led away, they called out to Mbwa, "Mbwa-O!" He assented, "Eh? What is it?" They replied in anger, for having informed on them. And they laid a curse on him, saying, "You will never speak again with the voice of a human being. You shall be a dumb beast."
But, the people took them, to be thrown into the depth of the sea.
The Savior of the Animals
Persons
| Njambo and Wife and Son Utigebodi |
Njâku (Elephant) |
| Nyati (Ox) | |
| Ngwayi (Partridge) | Kudu (Tortoise) |
| The Prophet Njambi | Njâ (Leopard) |
| Yungu (Eagle) | Ngomba (Porcupine) |
| Etoli (Rat) | Inâni (Bird) |
NOTE
This story plays on the meaning of the name U-tige-bode. It is an ancient word, not now used, meaning, "He-Who-Saves-People." In the Son's given name; his saving of the unworthy, in response to their appeals for mercy; his
