The Intoxicating and Destructive Powers of Beings: A Study of Igbo Epic, Anukili Ugama by Rems Umeasiegbu

Abstract

Beings, in this context, depict epic heroes who are strange creatures in the form of humans but of different constitution and structures. In Epics, the heroes are supernatural beings who possess extra-ordinary powers and are destined to utilize such powers in salvaging their race. But most surprisingly, such beings at some point tend to abuse the use of such powers in the opposing direction thereby conforming to the notion that excess power truly intoxicates. The Epic as Abrams (81) defines it’ is a long verse narrative on a serious and elevative style and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depend the fate of a tribe, a nation or the human race’. In Africa, there are equally long narratives recounting the deeds of legendary heroes with human traits and supernatural attributes like Shaka of Zulu and Sundiata of Mali. In this essay, the researcher explores the Igbo epic, Anukili Ugama, whose hero, Anukili, equally exhibits the traits of other heroes of epic, and of which such power at some point in time of its intoxication, destroys those who it was meant to protect. This study aims to have an appraisal of the enormous power which intoxicates and backfires to the detriment of the race which is meant to be saved. It x-rays how a human being may act for or against his fellow and the problem of man’s destiny. It therefore calls for a re-appraisal of such vice and for caution in dealing with such beings wherever they might be found. It will be explored from the sociological /historical points of view.