Logan Parsons
AF210: The African Storyteller
Week 4
Essay Four: “The Creation”
In The Creation, we are exposed to the author’s point of view on what the value of free
will and oneness with god really is. Readers follow Kintu, or man, through the golden age and
subsequently through the age of creation. Both portions of this quest have great value for this
story, which we will look at below. Lastly, the moments of free will throughout the story will be
evaluated and discussed as it pertains to the greater meaning of possessing free will.
The golden age is expressed as a time of perfect harmony between gods, humans, and
animals, with the latter two being very comparable to the former. Kintu and his cow are living a
peaceful life on Earth, when the two are encountered by two women from the heavens. These
women are curious, and in relative disbelief that this is a man upon arrival. In time however,
the group of gets to know each other, and the women report back to Mugulu (almighty God)
that they believe Kintu is a man, and that he possesses a cow which he milks. Mugulu sends
men to steal the cow, leading to Nambi bringing Kintu to the heavens (seemingly out of
pity/care), as the cow is his only food source. Kintu repeatedly completes impossible tasks with
the help of nature in an effort to regain his cow. He does so, and Nambi becomes his wife upon
completion of Mugulu’s last assigned task. Kintu and Nambi now set out to return to Earth, with
strict instructions not to return to the heavens, as Warumbe (Nambi’s brother), or death,
awaits to follow them home. Kintu does return and Warumbe accompanies them to Earth. This
signals the end of the golden age, as now humans are not allowed into heaven without...
