EC Reading Notes - Africa: Makoma

 Africa: Makoma (cont.)

Author: Andrew Lang

Reading Notes - Makoma contd:

• This is a continuation of the story of Makoma
• Makoma traveled for many days until he reached a barren country of rock and not a single living grew upon it
• Amidst this dead region, he found a man-eating fire and Makoma demanded to know what the man was doing
• The man replied he was eating fire and his name,e was Chi-idea-moto the flame spirit and I can destroy what I want
• Makoma responded that he is greater and that he cannot destroy him
• The fire eater laughed and split a flame at Makoma tarnishing the ground but Makoma dodged before it could hit him
• Makoma flung his hammer at him striking him helpless and Makoma placed him in the sack Woro-now with others he's conquered 
• He now had the added power to produce fire along with the abilities of the others he's defeated
• Makoma had found a spot in a meadow where he wanted to live the next day he released his giants to get poles to build a kraal
• He only let Chi-eswa-mapiri to look after the place and cook some venison which they had killed
• When they returned they found the giant helplessly tied up
• The giant told Makoma that a man came out of the river and asked of his master 
• For the next few days, the same thing occurred but to a different party member at another location 
• Finally, Makoma decided he would stay and see, and finally, when the sun was overhead he heard a rumbling noise from the river
• When he arose from the water he asked who Makoma was 
• Makoma replied and said tell me your name before I slay
• He replied CHin-Debou Mau-giri and that his home was in the river and that his mustche is the grey fever mist that hangs above the water
• Makoma replied he cannot bind him  and rushed him with his hammer, he missed because of the river giant was slimy
• Makoma seemed helpless then remembered the ability he gained from the fire spirit to get himself free 
• Finally Makoma went to striker him again and Chin-debou fell dead

   The River Monster

(Source: The Orange Fairy Book)