Description
This is a novel based on the famous Luo legend of migration, known by various names and narratives of diverse lengths, as “Legend of Labong’o and Gipir” but only for the first time rendered in novel from – in the tradition of the ancient Greek writers. The story begins sometime in the 10th Century at Winam Settlement, somewhere in present day Northern Uganda, under the leadership of Luo the Beginning.
The plot follows Ker Olum’s family where they migrate to and start a new home – Tekidi Settlement. Ker Olum’s elder son, Ochola Arua, inadvertently hurls his younger brother Podho Luo’s royal spear at a mountain elephant, and the animal takes off with the spear still stuck on its hind thigh.
Podho Luo demands his very spear back, and would not take any compensation. Ochola Arua decides to track the elephant alone to recover the spear, and during the arduous journey, he meets Mutwa, a woman whose resourcefulness and knowledge of the wilderness enable him to not only survive the harsh conditions but also to kill the elephant and recover his brother’s royal spear.
As a parting gift, Mutwa gives Ochola Arua a royal bead of luck. Unfortunately, Podho Luo’s son Koma accidentally swallows the bead. To pay him in kind, Ochola Arua demands back the very bead and not any form of compensation.
About the Author
Grace Ogot was born in 1930 in Asembo, in what is today, Siaya County, Kenya. She attended Maseno Junior School, Ng’iya Girls School, and Butere Girls High School before training as a nurse at Mengo Hospital in Kampala, Uganda and at the London School of Nursing, UK …. Read More
