2024-05-10 01:01:43
Immerse yourself in the mythological universe of the Beti, one of the most emblematic peoples of Cameroon. Discover the captivating legend of Ngan Medza, the mystical serpent who allegedly allowed the Beti to cross the Sanaga River, not without twists and turns. A founding story that continues to mark the collective imagination.
Nanga, the albino ancestor of the Beti and his seven children
The history of the Beti is inseparable from that of Nanga, their albino Bantu ancestor. According to oral tradition, relayed by the site 237online.com, Nanga would have had seven children: Kolo Beti, Eton Beti, Mvele Beti, Mvan Beti, Meka Beti (The Maka), Bulu the daughter, and Ntumu, the last born. A brotherhood which would give birth to the main subgroups composing the Beti people, with the exception of the Bulu, considered as ” nephews » from Nanga’s only daughter.
This mythical genealogy lays the foundations of the Beti identity, a proud and united people despite their diversity. It also reveals the importance of filiation and blood ties in the social and cultural structuring of this community. A solid foundation on which the epic story of the crossing of the Sanaga will be grafted.
Fleeing the Foulbés, the Beti face the challenge of Sanaga
We are in the 18th century. The Beti, then established in Adamawa, were faced with the threat of the Foulbés, a Muslim people led by chief Ousman dan Fodio, determined to Islamize all the animist peoples of the region. Faced with this pressure, the Beti have no choice but to flee south, through the dense forest.
After days of grueling walking, they finally reached the banks of the Sanaga, a majestic and intimidating river. How can we overcome this seemingly insurmountable obstacle? It is then that the miracle occurs: God, in his love for the Beti, sends them Ngan Medza, a long and powerful mythical serpent, to help them in their crossing. A divine intervention which will forever mark the destiny of this people.
Ngan Medza, the scaly savior who turns against the Beti
What follows is worthy of the greatest epic stories. The Beti undertake to cross the Sanaga on the back of Ngan Medza, the providential snake-boa. A perilous operation which takes place at nightfall, lit only by the light of bamboo torches. Everything is going well, until curiosity and clumsiness disrupt the course of things.
According to versions, it was a warrior named Kolo Koulou who, wanting to lean on what he thought was a tree trunk, planted his spear in Ngan Medza’s back. Or else, it is the torch bearer located at the serpent’s tail who, intrigued by the nature of their ” pont » alive, lets fall a few sparks on the scales of the reptile. Result: Ngan Medza, injured and furious, turns around violently, throwing the passengers on his back into the raging waves. A drama that will leave indelible traces in the collective memory.
A people forever divided by waters, up to the Ebebda bridge
Because the consequences of this incident are serious for the Beti people. The last tribes, remaining on the shore while waiting for their turn, find themselves unable to join their brothers on the other side. A cruel and lasting separation, which freezes human geography on both sides of the Sanaga.
For decades, even centuries, the Beti will live like this, separated by the tumultuous waters of the river, with the only link being the memory of Ngan Medza and the tragedy that sealed their destiny. It will be necessary to wait for the construction of the Ebebda bridge so that exchanges and reunions can finally take place, gradually healing the wounds of this original tear.
Even today, the legend of Ngan Medza continues to haunt the Beti imagination. A founding story that combines mythology, history and geography, and which says so much about the deep identity of this people. A precious intangible heritage, which generations pass on with pride and emotion. Because beyond the mystical serpent and the aborted crossing, it is the entire Beti soul that vibrates in the meanders of the Sanaga.