Arhuanran: The Giant Denied the Throne (part 2/3)
In Which Coffin Does The King Lay?
In part one,
We observed how an unfortunate turn of events resulted in the delayed announcement of Arhuanran's birth. A fierce rivalry ignited between the two brothers, the sort of animosity that every father dreads.
Rivals for Life
The intense rivalry between Arhuanran and Esigie overshadowed the existence of their elder brother, Ugiabi. Ugiabi tragically fell victim to the bitter enmity between his younger siblings and has almost been forgotten in Benin history.
Right from the outset, Arhuanran and Esigie engaged in relentless competition. Esigie was renowned for his cunning intellect, while Arhuaran was famous for his imposing physical stature. Legend has it that Arhuanran would perform feats like uprooting palm trees to use as brooms just to intimidate Esigie.
The rivalries and challenges reached new heights on a fateful day when Arhuanran boldly challenged his brothers to a daring long jump competition spanning the treacherous Agbodo pond. Arhuanran, well aware of his own prowess, sought to flaunt his capabilities. Demonstrating the pond's formidable width, he fastened a rope, the entire length of the water, around his waist before leaping across it. What he didn't realise was that Esigie had secretly seized hold of the rope, harnessing the immense force of the giant's leap to propel himself across the pond. Arhuanran, turning back to encourage his brothers to leap, was taken aback to find Esigie standing ahead of him.
Tragically, Ugiabi's attempt to traverse the pond ended in disaster as he plunged into the water, suffering a grave spinal injury that left him disabled and incapable of ascending to the throne.
To console Ugiabi, Oba Ozolua granted him the title of Enogie (Duke) of Idogbo. The monarch also appointed Arhuanran as the Enogie (Duke) of a town named Udo, hoping it would pacify the discontented prince. However, Arhuanran remained unsatisfied, steadfast in pursuing the throne or nothing at all. Upon his father's passing, he brought his grievance before the council of the seven Uzama, responsible for ensuring the monarch's actions serve the best interests of the people. These Uzama continue to hold this pivotal role in modern-day Benin City.
Arhuanran argued his case based on his status as the most powerful figure in Benin. The Uzama had no intention of disregarding Oba Ozolua's wishes, especially considering Arhuanran's reputation for being rash and temperamental. Instead, they devised a cunning plan to put an end to Arhuanran's ambitions once and for all.
In Which Coffin Does The King Lay?
The seven Uzama crafted seven coffins and extended an invitation to Arhuanran and Esigie to choose which one contained their father's remains. The caskets were decorated with various levels of decadence. Some were adorned with opulent materials and intricate Benin engravings while others appeared ugly, plain and was poorly constructed โ unfitting resting for a formidable warrior king like Oba Ozolua, or so Arhuanran believed.
The challenge entailed Arhuanran and Esigie selecting the casket they believed their father rested in and then performing the burial rites. The individual who chose the correct coffin would truly prove their worthiness to ascend to the throne of Benin.
Arhuanran, driven by his brash and overconfident demeanour, hastened past his brother and laid claim to the most aesthetically pleasing casket. Clutching it with his immense strength, he carried it back to Udo. Esigie, however, following the advice of his wise man, chose the shabbiest-looking coffin, the one he felt the deepest connection to.
Upon reaching Udo, Arhuanran pried open the coffin, only to discover a collection of rocks within. Shocked and disheartened, he realised that his brother possessed the genuine remains of their father. At this moment, the power of his claim to the throne crumbled, analogous to the lifeless rocks he gazed upon.
It is for this reason the saying arose,
Arhuanran nokemezi, แป mwศฉ ศฉtin, nศฉ ศฉrศฉmwศฉ ศฉwaศฉn.
Arhuanran the mighty. He has power but no sense.
I wonder whether the story about deciding the coffin inspired Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where they have to choose the holy grail and drink from it.
A few questions:
Is there a significance to the number 7 (7 Uzama, 7 coffins)?
Also, do you have any information about how the people in the Uzama council are chosen?