The Princess and the Paddle A Tale from Egbema, 920 AD

 The Princess and the Paddle: A Tale from Egbema, 920 AD

By Egbema Egberi Media special correspondent

 

*The Princess of the River Kingdom*

Long ago, in the heart of the Niger Delta, there was a kingdom called Egbema. Its ruler, the Agadagba, had a daughter named Seigha, the jewel of the kingdom. With eyes that sparkled like the morning river and laughter like the sound of rain on palm leaves, she was loved by all — but her heart belonged to a humble fisherman’s son named Owei-keme.

*A Forbidden Love*

Owei-keme had no title, no land — only his father’s old canoe and a heart full of dreams. But every evening, he waited at the riverbank, and the princess would sneak out, disguised in her wrapper, to meet him. There they would talk, laugh, and imagine a life where love mattered more than royal rules.

* The King’s Wrath*

One day, the Agadagba found out. "My daughter? Marry a fisherman’s son? Never!" he thundered. Owei-keme was banished. The princess was locked away in the palace. The river seemed to mourn with them, running slower, quieter, as if holding its breath.

*A Test of Love*

But the princess didn’t cry. She made a vow: if Owei-keme truly loved her, he would return. The Agadagba, amused, gave a challenge: "Bring me the legendary Pearl of the Spirits — hidden beyond the Crocodile Strait. Only then will I bless your union."

*The Paddle Begins*

Owei-keme carved a paddle from the iroko tree, kissed the land goodbye, and ventured into the unknown. He faced storms that roared like angry ancestors and tides that tried to swallow his canoe. But he pressed on.

* The Sea Spirit’s Riddle*

One night, a mighty sea spirit appeared. "Answer my riddle or become fish food!" it bellowed. Owei-keme answered, “What is deeper than the ocean and stronger than a hurricane? Love — especially when the princess is fine like palm wine!” The spirit laughed, gave him the pearl, and a coconut for the road.

*The Return of the Fisherman*

He returned, worn and tattered, but victorious. He handed the pearl to the Agadagba, who looked into the glow, then into Owei-keme’s eyes. He turned to his daughter and nodded.

*A Wedding to Remember*

The wedding shook the kingdom. Fish rained from the sky (or maybe someone threw them). The princess danced barefoot, Owei-keme wore royal wrappers, and even the crocodiles swayed to the drums.

* A New Beginning*

With blessings and canoes, the couple set off to found their own kingdom by the sea — a land where love ruled over pride, and royalty was earned by courage.

* The Legend Lives On*

Today, elders still say: “If a princess can love a fisherman, anyone can find true love — even you, lazy Ekene who can’t catch a crab!”

Thus ends the tale of the Princess and the Paddle — a story of tides, trials, and timeless love.