Andrew Lang

The Orange Fairy Book Andrew Lang

Once upon a time, at the town of Senna on the banks of the Zambesi, was born a child. He wasnot like other children, for he was very tall and strong; over his shoulder he carried a big sack, and inhis hand an iron hammer. He could also speak like a grown man, but usually he was very silent. One day his mother said to him: 'My child, by what name shall we know you?'And he answered: 'Call all the head men of Senna here to the river's bank.' And his mother calledthe head men of the town, and when they had come he led them down to a deep black pool in theriver where all the fierce crocodiles lived.'O great men!' he said, while they all listened, 'which of you will leap into the pool and overcomethe crocodiles?' But no one would come forward. So he turned and sprang into the water anddisappeared. The people held their breath, for they thought: 'Surely the boy is bewitched and throws away hislife, for the crocodiles will eat him!' Then suddenly the ground trembled, and the pool, heaving andswirling, became red with blood, and presently the boy rising to the surface swam on shore. But he was no longer just a boy! He was stronger than any man and very tall and handsome, sothat the people shouted with gladness when they saw him.'Now, O my people!' he cried, waving his hand, 'you know my name-I am Makoma, "theGreater"; for have I not slain the crocodiles into the pool where none would venture?'Then he said to his mother: 'Rest gently, my mother, for I go to make a home for myself andbecome a hero.' Then, entering his hut he took Nu-endo, his iron hammer, and throwing the sackover his shoulder, he went away.