Exploring Honor and Survival: The Moral Dilemma of Two Hunters in Ifá Mythology
THE TALE OF THE TWO HUNTERS: A STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HONOR
In a deep, sprawling forest, two hunters, one young and the other old, ventured in search of game. They were skilled with their weapons and often struck their targets, yet capturing the wounded animals proved elusive. Each time they struck an elephant, it would cleverly escape by crossing a deep, wide river known only to the animals.
Frustrated and puzzled, the hunters wondered how their prey could vanish so easily. One day, after wounding a large elephant, they followed its trail to the river. The elephant crossed at a stable spot, avoiding the treacherous quicksand that lined much of the riverbank. Determined, the hunters tried to follow but found themselves struggling in the mucky riverbed, slipping and sliding in the mud.
Faced with this difficult situation, the younger hunter had an idea. He suggested to the older hunter, „Let me climb on your back to reach firmer ground, and then I can pull you up with a rope.“ As they attempted this plan, an unexpected surge of excitement overcame the younger hunter, leading to a tense moment that threatened their partnership and dignity.
The older hunter, prioritizing his life over his pride, allowed the younger to proceed, despite the uncomfortable situation. This decision helped them escape immediate danger, but it would later cost the older hunter much more than he anticipated.
Some time later, when the younger hunter was seen with a group of maidens, one asked about the older hunter, noticing he didn’t come to greet them. The younger hunter, influenced by the spirits of the drink, shared their private ordeal in the forest. Word of this spread quickly, casting a shadow over the older hunter’s reputation.
Misunderstood and shunned for his supposed moral lapse, the older hunter found no choice but to leave his home and start anew elsewhere.
This tale from the forest is more than just a story of survival; it’s a reflection on the choices we make and how they define us. It challenges us to think about what we value most—our life or our honor—and reminds us that our actions ripple through the community, shaping not only our destiny but also how we are remembered.
THE IFÁ PERSPECTIVE ON THE MYTH: LIFE (SURVIVAL), HONOR, MORAL CONDUCT
The Ifá tradition, a rich tapestry of Yoruba spiritual and ethical wisdom, offers profound insights into human behavior through its myths and divination. One such myth, „The Path of the Young and the Old Hunter; The Doubt of Morality,“ serves as a poignant narrative to explore themes of life, honor, and moral conduct, as well as the perspective of sexuality within Ifá.
The Hunters‘ Dilemma: Life (Survival) versus Honor
In the myth, two hunters repeatedly fail to capture the animals they wound in the forest, despite their proximity. Their pursuit leads them into challenging terrains, including a river with shifting sands. This setting introduces the main moral conflict of the story: the younger hunter’s proposal to the older hunter to climb on his back to reach firmer ground, leading to a tense and compromising situation.
This moment underscores a fundamental question in Ifá—what is more important, life or honor? The older hunter faces a choice between preserving his life or his dignity. He chooses life, suggesting Ifá’s pragmatic approach to survival. However, this decision comes at a high social cost, as his honor is later questioned in the community.
Ifá’s View on Moral Conduct
The reaction of the community to the older hunter’s choice reflects the weight of moral conduct in Ifá. The hunters‘ tale not only illustrates personal morality but also how individual actions ripple through society. In Ifá, moral conduct is not just about personal integrity but also about maintaining communal harmony. The older hunter’s departure from the village highlights the harsh consequences of perceived moral failures and the community’s role in enforcing ethical standards.
Sexuality in Ifá: A Complex Perspective
Sexuality in the myth is depicted during a moment of vulnerability and confusion, leading to a breach of trust and social norms. The younger hunter’s actions, fueled by an impulsive sexual arousal, result in social stigma and personal ruin for the older hunter. This aspect of the myth may reflect Ifá’s broader perspective on sexuality, which is generally fluid but bound by strict communal ethics. Sexuality, when it disrupts social harmony or exploits power imbalances, is viewed critically.
Reflections on the Myth
This myth, rich with symbolic elements, urges the readers to reflect on the complexities of human interactions and the consequences of their choices. Ifá encourages a balance between individual desires and social responsibilities. The narrative pushes us to consider how our actions, particularly in moments of crisis, reflect our deepest values and affect others within our community.
Moreover, the myth provides a nuanced view of sexuality, challenging us to consider the implications of sexual behavior not only on individuals but also on broader societal perceptions and norms. The Ifá philosophy, through such stories, teaches that wisdom often lies in navigating these complex moral landscapes with both courage and consideration.
In conclusion, the myth of the two hunters is a profound exploration of life’s moral dilemmas. It invites us to ponder our own choices and their impacts, reminding us that our conduct is a testament to our character and a blueprint for our community’s ethical boundaries.
I suggest you to have a look at the myth about Oshun and Shango for a deeper understanding of the concept of moral, life and honour in Ifá.