The Story of the Seven Serpents! A Glimpse into 11th Century Ethiopian Folklore

Delving into the rich tapestry of Ethiopian folklore offers a unique window into the cultural beliefs, societal values, and ancient wisdom of this fascinating nation. While countless tales have been passed down through generations, “The Story of the Seven Serpents” stands out as a captivating narrative brimming with symbolism and moral lessons. Originating in the 11th century, this story has transcended time, continuing to resonate with audiences even today.

This tale centers around a young shepherd named Tariku who encounters seven mystical serpents while tending his flock on a sun-drenched hillside. Each serpent represents a different vice: greed, envy, wrath, pride, lust, sloth, and gluttony. Tariku’s encounter triggers a profound journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the seductive allure of these vices, ultimately learning to overcome their temptations through wisdom, courage, and compassion.

The serpents, embodied as cunning and persuasive creatures, tempt Tariku with promises of wealth, power, and pleasure. They weave intricate webs of deception, preying on his insecurities and vulnerabilities. For example, the serpent representing greed whispers promises of overflowing riches, while the serpent embodying envy fuels resentment towards Tariku’s fellow shepherds.

Tariku initially finds himself swayed by these seductive offers. He begins to covet what he doesn’t possess, harboring envious thoughts towards those seemingly better off than him. However, a wise old woman who lives in the nearby village intervenes, guiding Tariku on the perilous path of self-reflection and introspection. She emphasizes the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the destructive power of unchecked desires.

Through her teachings, Tariku learns to identify and confront the seven serpents lurking within his own heart. He recognizes that greed can lead to discontent, envy breeds bitterness, wrath fuels violence, pride fosters isolation, lust clouds judgment, sloth leads to stagnation, and gluttony ultimately harms both body and soul.

Serpent	Vice	Temptation	Consequence
Green	Greed	Riches beyond imagination	Emptiness and insatiable desire
Red	Envy	Possessions of others	Resentment and bitterness
Black	Wrath	Revenge and retribution	Violence and self-destruction
Purple	Pride	Superiority over others	Isolation and arrogance
Blue	Lust	Immoral desires	Clouded judgment and regret
Yellow	Sloth	Inactivity and ease	Stagnation and wasted potential
White	Gluttony	Excess and indulgence	Physical and spiritual harm

Tariku’s journey exemplifies the ongoing battle between virtue and vice that exists within each individual. By confronting his inner serpents, he ultimately learns to cultivate virtues such as humility, compassion, gratitude, and self-control. He realizes that true fulfillment lies not in external possessions but in cultivating a harmonious balance within oneself.

“The Story of the Seven Serpents” transcends its simple narrative structure, offering profound insights into human nature and the complexities of moral decision-making. It serves as a timeless reminder that we all possess the potential for both good and evil, and it is through conscious effort and self-reflection that we can overcome our inner demons and strive towards a more virtuous existence.

The enduring popularity of this tale highlights its ability to resonate across cultures and generations. Its message of self-improvement and the pursuit of virtue remains relevant even in today’s fast-paced and materialistic world. Ultimately, “The Story of the Seven Serpents” invites us to embark on our own journey of introspection, confronting our own inner serpents and striving to cultivate the virtues that will lead us towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Just as Tariku learned from the wise old woman, we too can benefit from seeking guidance from mentors and teachers who can help us navigate the complexities of life. By embracing self-awareness and actively working towards cultivating positive qualities, we can overcome the allure of vice and embrace the path of virtue, ultimately living a richer and more meaningful existence.