THE AMAZONS OF DAHOMEY

Whenever people hear the word Amazon, they are tempted to think about the mythical Amazons of ancient Anatolia probably because they didn't know real Amazons actually existed somewhere in Africa, in the kingdom of Dahomey

This group of female warriors was referred to as Mino, meaning "Our Mothers" in the Fon language, by the male army of Dahomey. One of their more popular victories was the defeat of a neighbouring kingdom called "Savi" after the amazons conquered their all male army

Membership among the Mino was supposed to hone any aggressive character traits for the purpose of war. During their membership they were not allowed to have children or be part of married life (though they were legally married to the king). Many of them were virgins. The regiment had a semi-sacred status, which was intertwined with the Fon belief in Vodun.
The Mino trained with intense physical exercise. They learnt survival skills and indifference to pain and death, storming acacia-thorn defenses in military exercises and executing prisoners

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THE STORY OF OLAJUMOKE

Once upon a time in the village of Aiyegberu, there lived a maiden called Olajumoke. She was the most beautiful woman in all the lands As news of her great beauty spread, suitors came lining asking for her hand in marriage but she refused them all. None of them was handsome enough to match her beauty she proclaimed

THE CUNNING TORTOISE & THE ELEPHANT

Once upon a time, a great king ruled the kingdom of Gbogan, after winning several great victories for his people he became ill due to accumulated injuries. All the medicine men in the kingdom and neighbouring kingdoms tried to treat him but to no avail. Finally it was concluded that Ikumejakako, the most dreaded amongst herbalist should be consulted, so the king sent his chief to the evil forest to fetch the man who was once banished for his daring methods

TORTOISE AND THE PRINCESS WHO WOULD NOT SPEAK

Once there was a king who had a very beautiful daughter, her name was Bola Bola was enchanting to look at but she had one fault. She had never spoken a word in her life. The king summoned the best medicine men in the land and they brewed various talking potions but none of them worked As the daughter would still not speak, the king became desperate.. so he made an announcement KING: Any one who can make my daughter talk, i shall give her hand in marriage to that person and i will offer half my land The tortoise heard the reward and set out to get it He bought a bottle of honey and placed it by a bush near where Bola lived while he hid himself. When Bola came by and saw the bottle of honey, she put her hand in it and tasted the sweet liquid. Immediately Tortoise jumped out of his hiding place and grabbed Bola by the hand Thief!? he cried. ?So it is you who steal my honey and eat it.? Tortoise then tied Bola with a rope and started to lead her back to the palace singing,

African Heroes, Legends and Myths

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