The Warrior Princess| African Folktales| My Sasun African Market

The Warrior Princess 

Long ago, in the land of Dagomba, there lived a king named Nedega, who had a beautiful daughter named Yennenga. Yennenga was a brave and fierce warrior, who could ride a horse, shoot a bow, and wield a spear. She loved to join her father in his battles against their enemies, and she always fought with courage and skill.

 

Yennenga was admired by many, but she was also lonely. She wanted to find a husband who would love her and share her passion for adventure. She wanted to have children who would inherit her spirit and strength. But her father, who was very proud of her, refused to let her marry. He wanted her to stay by his side and rule the kingdom after him. He said that no man was worthy of her, and that she was too valuable to lose.

 

Yennenga was unhappy with her father's decision, but she did not dare to disobey him. She hoped that one day he would change his mind and allow her to choose her own destiny. But as the years passed, her hope faded. She felt trapped in her father's palace, and she longed for freedom and love.

 

One night, she decided to escape. She put on her armor and took her favorite horse, a black stallion named Pega. She rode out of the palace under the cover of darkness, and headed towards the south, where she hoped to find a new life. She did not know where she was going, but she trusted her horse to guide her.

 

She rode for many days and nights, crossing rivers and mountains, until she reached a forest. There, she met a hunter named Riale, who was hunting for game. He was surprised to see a woman dressed as a warrior, riding a magnificent horse. He greeted her politely and asked her who she was and where she came from. Yennenga did not want to reveal her true identity, so she told him that she was a traveler looking for a place to stay. Riale offered to share his hut with her, and she accepted.

 

They soon became friends, and then lovers. They found that they had much in common: they both loved nature, animals, and adventure. They also respected each other's skills and abilities. Yennenga taught Riale how to ride a horse and use a spear, and Riale taught Yennenga how to hunt and track animals. They were happy together, and they decided to get married.

 

Yennenga became pregnant, and gave birth to a son, whom they named Ouedraogo, which means "stallion" in their language. Ouedraogo inherited his mother's beauty and his father's wisdom. He also had a special bond with Pega, the horse that had brought his parents together. He learned how to ride him when he was only three years old, and he became a skilled horseman.

 

Ouedraogo grew up to be a brave and noble leader, who united the people of the forest and founded the Mossi kingdom. He was the first of a long line of kings, who ruled with justice and peace. His descendants still honor his memory and his legacy, and they call themselves the sons and daughters of Yennenga, the warrior princess who found love for herself.

 

Meanwhile, back in Dagomba, King Nedega was filled with regret and sorrow. He realized that he had been wrong to keep his daughter from marrying, and that he had lost her forever. He missed her terribly, and he wished he could see her again. He sent messengers to look for her, but they could not find her. He feared that she was dead, or worse, that she hated him.

 

One day, he received a letter from Ouedraogo, who had learned about his grandfather from his mother. Ouedraogo wrote that he wanted to meet him, and that he invited him to visit his kingdom. He also wrote that he loved him, and that he hoped he would forgive his mother for leaving him.

 

King Nedega was overjoyed to hear from his grandson, and he eagerly accepted his invitation. He gathered his best warriors and his finest gifts, and he set out to meet Ouedraogo. He also hoped to see his daughter, and to ask for her forgiveness.

 

When he arrived at the Mossi kingdom, he was welcomed by Ouedraogo, who embraced him warmly. He was amazed by his grandson's appearance and achievements, and he praised him for his wisdom and courage. He also met Riale, who greeted him respectfully and thanked him for giving him his daughter. He was impressed by Riale's kindness and skill, and he realized that he was a good man and a worthy husband for Yennenga.

 

But the most emotional moment was when he saw Yennenga, who ran to him and hugged him. She cried and apologized for leaving him, and she told him that she still loved him. He also cried and apologized for keeping her from marrying, and he told her that he was proud of her. They forgave each other, and they rejoiced in their reunion.

 

King Nedega stayed in the Mossi kingdom for a while, and he enjoyed spending time with his family. He also learned about their culture and their people, and he admired their harmony and prosperity. He made peace with them, and he promised to support them in their endeavors. He also gave them his blessings, and he thanked them for making him happy.

 

He then returned to his own kingdom, where he continued to rule with wisdom and compassion. He kept in touch with his daughter and his grandson, and he visited them often. He also welcomed them to his palace, and he introduced them to his people. He was happy to see that they were happy, and he was grateful for their love. And so, they lived happily ever after.