Arrow of God

“Whenever Ezeulu considered the immensity of his power over the year and the crops and, therefore, over the people he wondered if it was real. It was true he named the day for the feast of the Pumpkin Leaves and for the New Yam feast; but he did not choose it. He was merely a watchman. His power was no more than the power of a child over a goat that was said to be his.” 

Although others criticize Ezeulu for taking power into his own hands, he often contemplates the nature of his power as High Priest. As he thinks about the New Yam feast, his internal thoughts show that balancing human and divine authority is always complicated for a person who believes deeply in Ibo tradition.

“Although he was still only a child it looked as though the deity had already marked him out as his future Chief. Even before he had learnt to speak more than a few words he had been strongly drawn to the god’s ritual.” 

Nwafo’s close connection to the High Priesthood causes conflict between his brothers, particularly conflict with Edogo. Ezeulu identifies Nwafo as his successor, but he ultimately cannot decide who will follow him. Nwafo’s role is then yet another example that other men draw upon to criticize Ezeulu for his human pride outweighing his divinity.

“‘When a handshake goes beyond the elbow we know it has turned to another thing. It was I who sent you to join those people because of my friendship to the white man, Wintabota. He asked me to send one of my children to learn the ways of his people and I agree to send you. I did not send you so that you might leave your duty in my household.’” 

Ezeulu reasserts his authority over the demands of the white man in his child, Oduche. Even before he kills the python, Oduche struggles to discern his authority. Ezeulu makes clear that allegiance to family and its traditions stands first in his mind.