ERI AND THE CITY OF NRI(IGBO)

A myth is a revered story about the creation of the world and its’ creatures. People believe that myths are true and they attach religious significance to them. Although most myths are regarded as superstitious, it should be noted that there exist some elements of truth in all myths. In Nigeria for instance, most myths were created before writing was invented or during the pre colonial era when people’s level of knowledge was at the rudimentary level.
A common myth among the Ibos is the Eri and the city of Nri myth. This myth is believed in the Eastern part of Nigeria i.e. in the forest region of Nigeria. According to this myth, the people were placed in this world by “Chukwu” i.e. a supernatural being. When a great famine broke out, “Eri” appealed to Chukwu and was told to sacrifice his son and daughter. He did as instructed and there was abundant food in the land.
This myth plays a very important role in the society today because it gives most Ibos a religion. It clears peoples’ mind of doubts concerning their existence, nature and the presence of a supernatural being. Most Ibos believe in Chukwu who created the world and all the inhabitants. The presence of religion gives people hope for living because they have faith that a God somewhere cares for them.
This myth also gives Ibo people a sense of collective identity. Their belief in the same myth gives them a sense of common identity and this fosters unity amongst them. It also ensures development because when people have a sense of collective identity, they tend to work as a team.
It also ensures law and order in the Ibo society. Most people believe that myths have spiritual powers and this controls peoples’ behavior in the society. The belief in myths also has a way of making people carry out its’ injunctions and stipulations. For instance, Eri killed his son and daughter because Chukwu wanted him to do so. Most people obey the laws in Ibo societies because they do not want to invoke the wrath of Chukwu.
Our modern society does not lack these myths. Although most of these myths regarded as superstitions because of the advent of westernization and Christianity, most Ibo people still believe in this myth. In Anambra State for instance, they have four market days and they are Nkwo, Afo, Oye and Eke which are the same names of Eris’ visitors in the myth. This myth still affects the Ibo people in the villages because they only go to the market on these days.
Despite the disparity among the various myths in the world, there exists a similarity amongst them and that is the presence of a God. All myths have the belief that there is a supernatural being that created the universe and man. Myths also have religious importance and teach morals that are meant to guide the people.
The Eri and city of Nri’s myth tells us about the structure of the present day Ibo society. In Ibo societies, there is an Eze who rules the people and he is supported by the council of elders. This is similar to the Eze title that was created by “Chukwu”. There is only one family that is vested with the power to give titles and be titled i.e. the Igwe’s family. This is similar to the Eri people that were vested with the power by Chukwu to choose the Eze. In the myth, the Eri people are the only ones that can purify the community in the event of a sacrilege; this is similar to the present day “Ezemuo” i.e. high priest in Ibo land.
Another way by which the myth tells us of our present day society is the reference to yam. According to the myth, yam grew from the grave of the son while coco yam grew from the grave of the girl. This is very symbolic because in Ibo land, yam is the king of all crops. It is highly venerated and a special day is dedicated to it. This day is called the New yam festival. Also as a result of this myth, men are greatly respected in the Ibo society. They can take titles but a woman is forbidden to take any titles.
This myth is a parable because it teaches us a lesson. Eri obeyed Chukwu and sacrificed his two children. His obedience saved his entire family from death due to famine. It also teaches us to show hospitality to visitors. Eri was kind to his visitors and his kindness helped to create the four market days which is used in Ibo land till today.
In a nutshell, most myths are superstitious but there exist some elements of truth in them. Myths are formulated for better understanding of the peoples’ religion, tradition, history or for pure entertainment. Whatever the reasons for formulating myths maybe, it should be noted that myths that affects our lives positively and leads to the development of our society should be adopted while those that have negative effects should be rejected. This is a food for thought.