The Hausa

A myth is a legendary story that is used to explain some cultural practices or natural phenomena. It is derived from a Greek word mythos which means “word of mouth”. Myths are the guiding rules of societies in which they exist, as they give an insight on the roots and beliefs of our ancestors and simplify them into fables.
The role of myths in our societies cannot be underestimated. They help explain the culture of a society. A lot can be said about the culture of a particular people, from their myths. The way they dress, the kind of food they eat and their artistic sense are all engraved in the myths of that society. Apart from explaining our culture, they also help maintain them. Because of their simplicity and the interest they tend to create in our minds, it is easy to remember them from time to time, thus maintaining the culture that is carved in myths. Myths are not only of cultural importance but also they hold the values of traditional religions in them. They explain why our religions are the way they are today. Societies that are Islamic can find how and why they are in their myths. Others that worship natural forces like wind and those that worship animals and other gods can find out why, in their myths.
The Hausa myth shows why there is a concentration of Hausa people in the northern part of Nigeria. It shows how Bayajida, a fugitive from Egypt settled in Daura, where a snake who was responsible for water supply was worshipped. The snake was called Dodo. By reciting the Koran scriptures that were carved on his sword, Bayajida killed the snake thus giving the people free access to water. As a result of this the queen married him and they had a son together who in turn had six sons who became the kings of the Hausa cities. From this myth a lot about Hausa people can be told. For instance, Bayajida’s settlement in Daura shows why Hausa people now reside in Northern Nigeria, also the Koran scriptures he recited shows why most Hausa societies are Islamic.
In essence, the structure of our modern society is embedded in these ancient myths. Myths have answers to questions about the government of a particular people and of how our ancestors would have acted in some situations. They also tell us those things that are unique about our cultures and tradition. It is only a shame that with the advent of science and the belief in its so called facts, myths are progressively fading. People would rather believe in science than in “folk stories.” What this means is that, so many cultural practices would not be passed on to the future generations, so our traditions will be forgotten and our beliefs will be trampled on. The modern society just sees myths as parables but they are more than just parables. They are guidelines by which we should live and act by. They teach us the way of our ancestors and show us their wisdom and courage. A myth is not just a parable; it is a way of life.
The Hausa myth is a unique one that shows the pride and courage of the Hausa ancestor; Bayajida. It is not really like any other myth. This is expected because every society is unique in its own way. The Hausa people of today are still as courageous as Bayajida was and are ready to use a sword to fight any hindrance to a smooth flow in their society. They still hold in high esteem their Islamic values and are guided by the Koran and its scriptures. All this is as result of the passing down of myths from generation to generations.
Myths should not be allowed to fade away so that our social and cultural values will not die but will be maintained until the end of time.