NNEWI HISTORIES: WHY NNEWI PEOPLE DO NOT KILL EKE (PYTHON).

According to Nnewi tradition, the reason why Nnewi people do not kill pythons (eke) is because of a legendary story that highlights the python’s role in saving the life of their king, Igwe Eze Ugbonyamba. The story goes that the king was fleeing from his enemies and took refuge in a nearby forest. A python appeared and shielded the king with its body, protecting him from harm until his enemies left. The king, in gratitude, declared the python a sacred animal, and from then on, the Nnewi people considered it a taboo (nsọ) to harm or kill pythons.

The python is considered a sacred animal in Nnewi culture, associated with protection, good fortune, and royalty. The legend of the python’s role in saving the king’s life has led to a deep-seated reverence for the species. In Nnewi tradition, pythons are believed to possess spiritual powers, and their presence is considered a blessing. They are often associated with the deity Edo Ogwugu, who is revered as a protector and guardian.

The taboo against killing pythons is strictly observed, and anyone who harms or kills a python is believed to have committed a grave offense, punishable by the gods. This belief has contributed to the conservation of pythons in the region, making Nnewi a safe haven for these magnificent creatures. The reverence for pythons also extends to the physical realm, with python imagery appearing in Nnewi art, symbolism, and architecture. The python has become an integral part of Nnewi’s cultural identity, representing protection, prosperity, and the rich cultural heritage of the community.

This legend has been passed down through generations, and Nnewi people still reverence pythons, considering them a symbol of protection and good fortune. Killing a python is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune, so they avoid harming or killing them, showing respect for their ancestors and the cultural heritage.