HONORABLE MINU
Discover the humorous tale of 'The Honorable Minu' in this captivating storytelling blog. Delve into the West African folktale and be entertained!
IT happened one day that a poor Akim-man had one of the big towns on the coast. This man could only speak the language of his own village-which was not understood by the men of the town.
As he approached Accra he met a great herd of cows. He was surprised at the number of them, and wondered to whom they could belong. Seeing a man with them he asked him, " To whom do these cows belong? " The man did not know the language of the Akim-man, so he replied, "Minu"
(I do not understand).
The traveller, however, thought that Minú was the name of the owner of the cows and exclaimed, " Mr Minù must be very rich."
He then entered the town. Very soon he saw a fine large building, and wondered to whom it might belong. The man he asked could not understand his question so he also answered, " Minu." " Dear me!
What a rich fellow Mr Min§ must be!" cried the Akim-man.
Coming to a still finer building with beautiful gardens round it, he again asked the owner's name.
Again came the answer, " Minu." " How wealthy Mr Min§ is," said our wondering traveller.
Next he came to the beach. There he saw a magnificent steamer being loaded in the harbour.
He was surprised at the great cargo which was being put on board and inquired of a bystander, " To whom does this fine vessel belong? " " Minü," replied the man. " To the Honourable Minü also! He is the richest man I ever heard of ! " cried the Akim-man.
Having finished his business, the Akim-man set out for home. As he passed down one of the streets of the town he met men carrying a coffin, and followed by a long procession, all dressed in black. He asked the name of the dead person, and received the usual reply, "Minu." "Poor Mr Minu!" cried the Akim-man. " So he has had to leave all his wealth and beautiful houses and die just as a poor person would do! Well, well-in future I will be content with my tiny house and little money." And the Akim-man went home quite pleased to his own hut.
West African Folktales by William H. Barker and Cecilia Sinclair, with drawings by Cecilia Sinclair (1917).
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