If you went to school in Benin or have grand-relatives of Benin descent, you have probably had an earful about Aruan the Giant. The story of Aruan (also spelt Arhuanran or Aruanran) happens during the reign of Oba Ozolua (between 1483 and 1514 AD). It is one that leaves most people in some level of disbelief but is there something to his story? Let’s find out together.
Who Is Aruan?
A subject of mythical repute, Aruan was a Benin prince who was born to Oba Ozolua by Queen Ohonmi in the Ancient City. He was actually born with the name Idubor. He was Prince Osawe’s brother. Now, Prince Osazee eventually assumed the Benin throne with the title of Oba Esigie, more on this later. Most intriguingly, and perhaps the thing people remember about him, he was a strong giant.
Technically Older
So Aruan and Osawe were born on the same day. Obviously, the senior of the two would become the direct heir to the Benin throne. Now, Aruan was born in the morning and Osawe, in the afternoon. In that period, it was considered improper to inform the monarch that a baby was born when it had not cried.
And so, it happened that when Aruan was born, he did not cry. Likely because he was going to turn out as the Benin version of Hercules and crying was for basic babies. So Osawe cried first. And as funny as that might sound, that made him older than Aruan in the eyes of the palace. You know, since Osawe’s birth got announced to the Oba first, the king declared him as his first son.
If you are annoyed at this info, imagine how Aruan felt. As a child, he was extremely resentful of the circumstances surrounding his birth. He frequently questioned his mother about whether the king was really his father. He also wondered the reason why the Oba cruelly took away his birthright just because he didn’t cry out first.
The Feats of Aruan
Aruan, a renowned warrior and conqueror, was bigger and stronger than the weaker Esigie, whom Oba Ozolua had sent to attend the Portuguese mission school after his baptism. Aruan could have easily defeated Esigie in any physical fight. I mean, he was renowned for using palm trees to sweep the streets.
Aruan, in fact, attempted to assassinate Oba Ozulua. Were it not for Queen Idia, who was rumored to be proficient in the magical arts (hmm hmm) and whom he knew was a strong opponent he had to defeat, Aruan’s assassination efforts might have been successful.
The Duke of Udo
His father, Oba Ozolua, the Oba of Benin at the time, appointed Aruan Duke of Udo, a town close to Benin City. The act was a form of compensation for his failure to succeed as Oba of Benin. Today, the tale of the giant has spread wide and far, and in some sense, he is even more famous than his younger (sorry older) brother.
So you heard about Queen Idia, know more about her here.
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