We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Past Ways of Finding Husband in Zimbabwe:
A “roora” (or bride-price) was expected from suitors. Parents used to find husbands for their daughters when still young. This roora could be some corn or cows or any number of items. Usually the young man had to prove himself through hard work such as ploughing fields. Parents preferred men they knew. In this story involving a bride for the Great King, people would have known and respected him. Both women had to travel a little ways…but it wasn’t too far as it could be done within a day. However, if the suitors came from far places, they could be banned to marry their daughters. Today, most women marry for love. Some parents, though, still insist to be part of the process.
50-word-or-less summary
Father oblivious of treatment of Manyara’s cruelty towards Nyasha. Great King declared most worthy/beautiful will be wife. Manyara denied kindness to Hungry Boy, Old Woman, Man with head under arm. Ran from snake! Nyasha acknowledged and cared for all. King was disguised as all four. Nyasha declared Queen.
Finding the Story:
Book – Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African tale – here
Digital Archive – Kaffir (Xhosa) Folk-Lore (from 1886, inspiration for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters) – here
Story – “Chief Five Heads” (similar story) – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Nyasha loved to sing and found beauty from the creatures big and small as well as the plants she helped to grow. She had an cheerful personality that inspired others. Although Nyasha had reason to complain to her Father about Manyara, Nyasha focused on what was right with the world.
When John Steptoe retold this story from Zimbabwe, he chose names with special meanings. From the Shona language, Nyasha means “mercy.” You can explore the book to discover the meanings of the other names.
Nyasha was fantastic with her mercy and love, even if they were strangers. She gave up her own lunch for the hungry boy. She gave a pouch of sunflower seeds to the old woman. Nyasha was happy to see the snake whom she had seen in her garden before.
Wouldn’t you feel welcomed and loved around Nyasha, even if you barely met?
Recommended Article:
Kindness is a strength…so read this article entitled “12 Traits of Authentically Kind, Strong Women” written by Corinne Dobbas.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.