Arhuanran: The Giant Denied the Throne (part 1/3)
From First to Last: The Dual Birth's Twist of Fate
Benin has frequently been hailed as the city of enchantment and enigma, with a particular mystery that has captivated people for centuries: the colossal figure within the confines of the lake. According to reports, venturing to Lake Odighi n’ udo in the midst of the night might offer a fleeting glimpse of the majestic giant named Arhuanran (sometimes written as Arhuan). The legend recounts that Arhuanran submerged himself in the lake subsequent to the heartrending loss of his wife and sons during a civil conflict against his younger brother, Oba Esigie.
In any discourse about Benin bronzes, it is imperative to acknowledge the most renowned creation of them all and that is the casting of Queen Idia, the Mother of Oba Esigie. The narrative we are about to recount delves into the resolute Queen Mother, the trailblazing Oba Esigie, and his ill-fated sibling Arthuanran, the giant who should have been king.
A Race To Be Born First
In the year 1481, an extraordinary event unfolded. Oba Ozolua experienced a rare blessing as two of the wives in his harem became pregnant simultaneously. Oloi (queen) Ohonmi and Oloi (queen) Idia, found themselves with child at the exact same time. In accordance with Benin tradition, any potential future heir to the throne must be born outside the kingdom's confines. Therefore, both Idia and Ohonmi journeyed back to their respective family homes to see out their pregnancies and give birth.
In a truly miraculous alignment, destiny saw both queens (iloi) giving birth on the very same day. In the morning, Ohonmi welcomed a baby boy into the world, while Idia followed suit by delivering her child in the evening. Yet, an unsettling note accompanied Ohonmi's childbirth – the new-born child did not cry, leading to fears that he might have been stillborn. On the contrary, the birth of Queen Idia's son was swiftly announced. This moment of joy prompted Oba Ozolua to designate Queen Idia's child as the heir presumptive and to bestow upon him the prestigious royal seal. As the palace echoed with celebratory commotion, news of Arhuanran's birth, Queen Ohonmi's son, reached their ears.
Oba Ozolua experienced a mix of emotions when he learned about the birth of his second son. Although pleased with the advent of another heir, his elation was tinged with sadness as he discovered that Arhuanran had actually been born first. This presented a complex predicament for the monarch. Ultimately, he upheld his initial decision, affirming Idia's son as the senior of the two boys.
Note: Arhuanran and Esigie were not their birth names. They are the names they chose on receiving their royal titles. Arhuanran’s princely name was Idubor, and Oba Esigie’s princely name was Osawe. In part two, next week we will see how Arhuanran and Esigie became sworn enemies for life.
Arhuanran: The Giant Denied the Throne (part 2/3)
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.
Very interesting read, thanks!
Why is it that future heirs traditionally have to be born outside the confines of the kingdom?