Idia of Benin

An exquisite brass facsimile of Queen Idia's head lies imprisoned in the basement of the British Museum. Who was this woman? And what makes her a true African hero?

When Idia interviews a young man to serve as her griot or storyteller, she holds him responsible for ensuring the history of her life will be passed down in explicit detail.

And what a story it is. Within the tropical forest of sixteenth century West Africa, Idia lures the Oba of Benin into taking her as his third wife. Once married, she soon becomes pregnant with a baby boy. As time passes Idia uses guile and sorcery to dispose of her son Osawe’s older brothers so that he may succeed to her husband’s throne. When the Oba dies, she evades being buried alive with her deceased husband. The price for her salvation, however, is that she is banished to her own palace just outside Benin City, never to talk with her son again.

Osawe serves his country well. He scores countless victories over enemies and usurpers. But he has not been put to the ultimate test. Will his throne be threatened by the powerful king of a neighbouring empire?