Arrow of God

About “Arrow of God”

In the Igbo village of Umuaro in Eastern Nigeria in 1921, Ezeulu is the respected Chief Priest of the god Ulu. When a war between Umuaro and a neighboring community is prevented by a British District Officer, Ezeulu feels the need to understand the power of the white man. He sends one of his sons to learn Christianity, hoping to gain insight into their strength. However, the boy, filled with Christian enthusiasm, attempts to kill a royal python, a sacred animal in Umuaro's traditions. This act intensifies the conflict between old and new beliefs. Ezeulu's resistance to the white man's influence grows, leading to a temporary victory over a British official, but his stubbornness ultimately leads to tragedy. The novel portrays the atmosphere of African village life, the rich language of the Igbo people, and their formal religious and social customs.