Moonlight Stories Of Lokomasama

By Art Koroma

Long before the quill of Western lore etched tales of Cinderella and King Midas’ golden touch, our ancestors’ stories unfolded under starlit skies. Now, as moonlight whispers secrets to the night, Denkehna, the venerable storyteller, weaves these timeless tales anew, reviving the oral traditions of our forefathers with reverence and authenticity. And now, here is a refreshing tale of Lokomasama’s legacy, where ancient wisdom meets modern times, and the spirit of our people continues to thrive.

The Lokomasama Princess: A Tale Of Love, Tradition, And Leadership

In the heart of Lokomasama Chiefdom, where the moon dips into the horizon and paints the sky with hues of gold, Paramount Chief Ordu ruled with wisdom and kindness, his heart beating in sync with the rhythms of his people. Among his people lived Ya-Warrah, a young woman with a spirit as bright as the morning sun, who had lost her parents at a tender age. Though her stepmother, a woman from Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, treated her with cruelty, Ya-Warrah’s kindness, intelligence, and beauty shone like a beacon, illuminating the lives of those around her.

As the chiefdom prepared for a grand celebration, Ya-Warrah’s fairy godmother, a wise and kind elder, appeared like a gentle breeze on a harmattan’s day, transforming a humble basket into a resplendent adornment. With traditional attire adorning her like a work of art, Ya-Warrah attended the celebration, where she captivated Prince Tejan, the Paramount Chief’s son, with her charm and wit. Under the starry night sky, they danced, their footsteps weaving a tale of love, tradition, and leadership.

Their love story became a legend, passed down through generations, a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and dedication. Ya-Warrah and Prince Tejan’s union was blessed by Paramount Chief Ordu, and they ruled the chiefdom with wisdom, ensuring peace, prosperity, and progress for their people. Years later, when Prince Tejan succeeded his father as Paramount Chief, Ya-Warrah became a respected queen, known for her compassion, intelligence, and strength. Together, they left an indelible mark on Lokomasama Chiefdom, their names etched in the annals of history as symbols of love, wisdom, and leadership.

As the story ended, the villagers and the council of elders gathered in the arena, eager to deliberate on the tale. Pa-Komrabai, the respected elder, spoke first, “Denkehna, your story has reminded us of the importance of kindness and hard work. Ya-Warrah’s spirit is a shining example for our youth.” Bunduka, another elder, nodded in agreement, “Yes, and Prince Tejan’s love for Ya-Warrah shows that true leadership is built on love and respect for one’s people.”

Pa-Adikali, a wise and aged elder, added, “The story also highlights the role of wise and kind elders in our society. Ya-Warrah’s fairy godmother played a crucial role in her life, just as our elders play a vital role in guiding our youth.” Pa-Santigie, a seasoned diplomat, observed, “The union of Ya-Warrah and Prince Tejan is a testament to the power of unity and cooperation between different groups. Their love transcended the boundaries of their different backgrounds.”

Ya-Bomkaprr, a respected elder and historian, noted, “This story is a reminder of our rich cultural heritage. We must continue to pass down these tales to our children and grandchildren, so they may learn from the wisdom of our ancestors.” Pa-Gbassay, a village elder, asked, “Denkehna, how can we apply the lessons from this story to our lives today?” Denkehna smiled, “We can start by practising kindness, hard work, and dedication in our daily lives. We must also respect and learn from our elders, just as Ya-Warrah did.”

Komkanda, a young elder, observed, “The story has also made me realize the importance of our traditional attire and celebrations. We must preserve our cultural heritage and pass it down to future generations.” Pa-Foray, another elder, added, “Yes, and we must also ensure that our leaders are chosen based on their wisdom, kindness, and leadership qualities, just like Prince Tejan.”

Ya-Balay, a respected elder and mediator, noted, “The story has shown us the importance of conflict resolution and mediation. Ya-Warrah’s kindness and compassion helped to resolve conflicts and bring people together.” Ya-Sinnah, a wise old woman, concluded, “We must continue to tell and retell these stories, so our children and grandchildren may learn from the wisdom of our ancestors and become good leaders and citizens.”

The villagers and elders deliberated long into the night, discussing the relevance of the story to their lives and the lessons they could apply to their own experiences. As the night wore on, the discussion turned to the importance of preserving their cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations.

Pa-Komrabai stood up and said, “We must make sure that our children and grandchildren learn about our history and culture. We must teach them the stories of our ancestors and the values that have been passed down to us.”

Bunduka added, “Yes, and we must also make sure that our traditional practices and customs are preserved and continued. Our cultural heritage is what makes us who we are, and it’s what sets us apart from other communities.”

The villagers nodded in agreement, and Denkehna smiled, satisfied that his story had sparked such a meaningful discussion. He promised to tell another story the following night, one that would continue to inspire and educate the villagers.

As the meeting came to a close, the villagers thanked Denkehna for his wisdom and storytelling. They left the arena with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage.

The next night, Denkehna began another story, one that would take the villagers on a journey of discovery and exploration. The villagers gathered around, eager to hear another tale of their ancestors’ wisdom and legacy.

And so, the storytelling continued, with Denkehna weaving his tales and the villagers listening with rapt attention. The stories became a part of their lives, a reminder of their history and culture, and a source of inspiration and guidance for generations to come.

 

Art Koroma

*Moonlight Stories Of Lokomasama C2025*