Queen Efuru and the River of Gold
Long ago, in the heart of the Niger Delta, there was a kingdom bathed in sunlight and song. Its people were known for their skill in weaving gold threads into cloth so fine, it shimmered like morning dew.
At the center of this kingdom ruled Queen Efuru, a woman whose beauty and wisdom were praised across the lands. But her heart carried a secret desire she longed to possess the River of Gold, a mystical river said to run deep beneath the earth, guarded by ancient spirits.
Each night, Queen Efuru would stand by the edge of the river that bordered her land. She would whisper to the wind, “Show me your hidden treasures, O golden waters.” But the river remained silent, calm, eternal, untouchable.
Until one night… the moon was full and red as fire. A soft voice rose from the river.
“Queen of men, seeker of what shines… gold flows only for hearts that give, not for hearts that grasp.”
Efuru trembled. “Who speaks?” she asked.
But the river only rippled, leaving behind a faint shimmer that vanished with the dawn.
Days passed. The Queen could not forget the voice. Her court warned her: “Do not chase the spirits, my Queen. They test the pride of mortals.” But Efuru’s curiosity grew stronger than her wisdom.
One evening, she gathered her royal boat and drifted alone into the river’s heart. Mist wrapped around her like silk. The current pulled her gently, as if guiding her to something unseen.
And then, she saw it.
A golden glow beneath the water.
It moved like a living thing, swirling and humming like a heartbeat.
“River of Gold… I am ready.” Said Efuru
The river opened before her.
Light burst around her, dazzling, warm, endless.
She felt herself sinking into a world beneath the water, a place where time stood still and spirits danced like ripples.
She saw faces made of light, ancestors, kings, and queens of old. And in their midst stood a woman, radiant as the sun.
Spirit Queen:
“Efuru of the Living… You seek what cannot be owned. The gold you desire is not of earth, but of heart. Would you trade your soul to understand?”
Efuru hesitated. The glow tempted her, she saw visions of endless riches, of kingdoms bowing before her name.
But deep within her, something whispered… her people, her land, the laughter of children, the simple beauty of her garden.
Tears filled her eyes.
“I do not seek to own it anymore,” she said.
“I only wish to know its meaning.”
The spirit smiled, and the glow faded into her chest.
Spirit Queen:
“Then you shall carry the River of Gold wherever you walk.”
And just like that, she awoke.
Her boat floated on still water, the morning sun rising over the horizon.
When she looked down, the river was clear, no gold, no glow, only her reflection smiling back at her.
From that day on, Queen Efuru ruled with a peace deeper than gold. Her people prospered, not with riches, but with harmony.
Yet, sometimes at night, when the moon is full and red, the villagers say they hear gentle singing from the river. A woman’s voice, calm, wise, and eternal.
And so, the River of Gold remains not beneath the earth, but within those who seek with pure hearts.
Perhaps, even now, it still flows… waiting for another soul brave enough to listen.
Wonderful story, worth reading
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