Greater-than was born into the squalor of a waterfront slum condemned by all as a wasteland never mind it was the only home that its impoverished occupants in their thousands could afford. This was the name his father gave to him at birth because he was overwhelmed that unto him a precious son had been born even though he owned nothing of any great value save his fishing boat and implements.
Greater-than his father named him, declaring on the tot’s behalf that he would overcome the adverse circumstances into which he had been born and rise above them to fulfil what his father believed was a great destiny.
So the child grew up in that waterfront slum, his first few years alive spent grappling with the harsh realities of one of the lowest abasements that could masquerade itself as a manifestation of life. It was his name that first drew our attention to him, a name that was as inspiring as it was provocative. His father clearly intended it to inspire him but we knew those of the darkness who the light no more was theirs to choose, would certainly be infuriated by him.
When Greater-than was six years old he rowed a canoe by himself into the deep past the point where his father had warned him never to venture for the shoreline of their waterfront home disappeared totally from view at this point. The young lad had been lured by a temptation to see beyond his father’s eyes but the intended end of this temptation was calamity. He was expected to drown submerged in a watery grave created by a simple roar of the waters.
Just before the prepared turbulence could rouse itself to claim the little boy’s life, Greater-than stood at the edge of his canoe’s head and declared to the ocean in clear voice bearing command of the first man: ALAYE KI ESU, LA ESU ALAYE KI! Those who had already started making a jest in anticipation of the child’s death were stunned beyond belief. The ocean swallowed its turbulence and brought forth great calm as it witnessed the revelation of a master of the worlds.
Greater-than spoke again, this time introducing himself properly at which time his presence was equally acknowledged by the surrounding onlookers; for if a man knows himself what power have his enemies to belittle him? The child was obviously no ordinary child but the quietness of his birth (it was not published in the stars) and the circumstances of his beginnings had deceived all into thinking that his given name was just another foolish mortal mistake to be scoffed at.
That day the one who the waters thought to consume as if he were nothing, disembarked his canoe and walked upon the waters. Greater-than the powers of the earth, sea, sky and the elementals he truly was. They presumed to make an end of his life but they only heralded its new beginning.
Know ye therefore that we the watchers who have witnessed these things herein give counsel that all be surnamed Greater-than who would do likewise in conquering the worlds before them. Let the wise understand.
See also:
Stories from the south of the Niger
These things speak for themselves
(C) Emmanuel Elu
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