Folktales and Myths
This character tells a folktale about a tortoise and the birds, highlighting themes of cleverness and consequence.
Who is Ekwefi?
This family event is the reason for the village celebration in Chapter 12.
What is a marriage (Uri ceremony)?
The loud, intense sound of this traditional Igbo instrument signals the village to gather and marks the start of Ezeudu’s funeral rites.
What is the ekwe (drum)?
In Mbanta, Okonkwo is taken in by this relative, who helps him adapt to life in his motherland.
Who is Uchendu?
This is used by Chielo to summon Ekwefi’s daughter, symbolizes the mystery and authority of the Oracle.
What is Chielo’s voice/call)?
This clever animal convinces the birds to lend him feathers to fly to the feast in the sky but is punished for his greed.
Who is the tortoise?
Okonkwo shows his protectiveness and concern for Ekwefi and Ezinma by doing this while they are at the Oracle’s cave.
What is following Chielo and staying outside the cave?
This particular aspect of Ezeudu’s life adds special importance to his funeral, drawing a large crowd and increasing the gravity of his passing.
What is his status as the oldest and most respected elder of Umuofia?
Uchendu advises Okonkwo to find comfort in this “land” and embrace it, even if it is not his own.
What is his motherland?
The story of the tortoise and the birds that Ekwefi tells symbolizes the dangers of this quality, often seen in Okonkwo’s own personality.
What is pride or arrogance?
In the folktale Ekwefi tells, this item of the tortoise’s body breaks when he falls back to earth, explaining its appearance.
What is the tortoise's shell?
This food (HINT: a type of meat), provided by Obierika for the uri ceremony, signifies wealth and generosity in Igbo culture.
What are goats?
During Ezeudu’s funeral, Okonkwo accidentally kills this person, which leads to his exile.
Who is Ezeudu’s son?
Uchendu shares this piece of wisdom with Okonkwo, explaining why a man takes refuge in his mother’s hut during hard times.
What is “Mother is Supreme”?
The accidental killing of Ezeudu’s son at the funeral symbolizes this cultural belief that tragic events, even unintended ones, are part of one’s destiny.
What is fate?
This character, hearing Chielo’s call, follows her daughter through the dark forest.
Who is Ekwefi?
Okonkwo’s preparation and actions at the uri ceremony reveal his pride and dedication to these two aspects of his life.
What are family and tradition?
The killing of Ezeudu’s son is deemed this type of crime in Igbo law, punishable by exile.
What is a “female” or inadvertent crime?
Uchendu challenges Okonkwo to see that life in Mbanta is not punishment but an opportunity to do this for his family.
What is rebuild and protect?
The seven-year exile imposed on Okonkwo serves as a symbol of this Igbo value, emphasizing accountability and balance within the community.
What is justice (or communal responsibility)?
This sacred priestess takes Ezinma to the Oracle of the Hills and Caves at night.
Who is Chielo?
The uri ceremony includes the sharing of kola nuts and this locally brewed drink, both significant in Igbo social and ritual life.
What is palm wine?
As part of Okonkwo’s punishment, this is what happens to his compound and buildings in Umuofia.
What is they are burned down?
Despite Uchendu’s wisdom, Okonkwo feels this emotion about his exile and inability to advance his status in Umuofia.
What is despair?
The burning of Okonkwo’s compound by the villagers symbolizes this form of “cleansing” meant to protect the community from the consequences of individual misfortune.
What is communal sacrifice (or societal cleansing)?