The gods are not to blame proverbs

Proverbs on the gods are not to blame

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The gods are not to blame is a tragic story surrounding a man who was fated to kill his father and marry his mother. The man's name was Odewale.

Although he did all he could to avert this abomination, it was in fact his deliberate aversion of his woeful destiny that made it come to pass. 

The sad tale of this story was garnished with various proverbs. This article highlights these proverbs and their meanings, alongside their references in the story.

You can read a summarised story on the gods are not to blame here.

Below are proverbs on the gods are not to blame:

 

• The butterfly thinks himself a bird

This proverb was said by a so-called relation of Odewale on his farmland. He indirectly mocked Odewale's status as a false son in the family.

Initially, Odewale could not comprehend this proverb, and this perhaps made him visit the divination priest in an attempt to unravel his true identity.

This proverb is meant to mock an individual who does not deserve his position; or one who has a false sense of his or her position.

 

• The toad likes water but not when the water is boiling

Odewale used this proverb after he was briefed on his tragic destiny by the priest of Ifa. For this reason, he left what he thought was his real home, with no intention of coming back.

This proverb implies that it is unwise to remain in one’s comfort zone when it poses danger to one’s life (or destiny).

 

• A bush does not sway this way or that way, unless there is wind

This proverb means that nothing happens without a cause. For this reason, Odewale utilized it to explain why he seeked his destiny through his visitation to the priest of Ifa.

 

• Because the farm-owner is slow to catch the thief, the thief calls the farm-owner thief!

Odewale addressed this proverb to king Adetusa when he invaded his farnland. In fact, this proverb acted as a build up to their mystical exchange of words, and eventual fight.

By implication, this proverb means an innocent man is termed the accused simply because he was too slow to accuse the guilty first.

You can read on the meaning, types and examples of figures of speech here.

 

• Venom of a viper does nothing to the back of tortoise

King Adetusa used this proverb in response to Odewale's words during their fight. In essence, he meant that Odewala mystical powers have no effect on him.

This proverb implies that it is fight in futility when a less dominant individual confronts a more dominant person. In this case, the less dominant person will significantly lose such fight, regardless his or her powers.

 

• Not to do something is to be crippled fast; and to lie down resigned to fate is madness

Odewale addressed the people of Kutuje through this proverb after they had been attacked and ransacked by the people of Ikolu.

By this proverb, he admonished the people of Kutuje not to concede defeat in battle, but should rather rise up and fight their fears. In his rage, Odewale championed the people of Kutuje into battle against the inhabitants of Ikolu.

Through this proverb, it is therefore unwise to sit idle while things go wrong.

 

• It is not changing into the lion that is hard, it is getting the tail of a lion

This proverb was used by the people of Kutuje to eulogized Odewale after he led them into a victorious battle against the tribe of Ikolu.

The proverb implies that anyone can claim to be brave through mere words, but it takes the decisive action of a true king to demonstrate leadership.

 

• Meat that has fat will prove it by the heat of fire

This royal bards ushered in Odewale through this proverb, after he proved his braveness by leading the people of Kutuje into a victorious battle against tribe of Ikolu.

This proverb implies that one can only be considered to have achieve greatness after he had been tried, tested, trusted and proven.

 

• Kola nuts last longer in the mouths of them who love it

The people of Kutuje used this to express their gratitude, alongside the great value they placed on Odewale as their leader, (after he had led them into a victorious battle against the tribe of Ikolu).

This proverb implies that people will often preserve whatever is of value to them.

Please read on Idioms and its examples here.

 

• When crocodiles eat their own eggs, what would they not do to the flesh of the frog?

This proverb was uttered by king Odewale when he learnt about the way and manner at which the previous king (king Adetusa) was murdered. 

The proverb implies that if the people of Kutuje can do this to their own indigenous king; then, what will they not do to a foreigner, or a king who is a foreigner?

 

• When the frog Infront falls into a pit, others behind take caution

When Odewale learnt about the circumstances surrounding the death of the former king, he said this proverb in order to caution and protect himself from having a similar fate.

This proverb implies that it is of great importance that one should learn from the mistakes of others, so he or she doesn't share the same fate as them.

 

• All lizards lie prostrate: how can a man tell which lizard suffers from bellyache

This proverb was used by king Odewale to express the great difficulty of pointing out the killers of king Adetusa.

By this proverb, it is implied that distinguishing between a good and an evil person is quite difficult especially when they all appear to be innocent.

 

• The one who pelts another with pebbles asks for rocks in return

This proverb was stated by king Odewale after he learnt of the death of the former king (king Adetusa).

By this proverb, he meant that greater evil (or punishment) will befall the murderers of his predecessor, king Adetusa.

You can read on nouns formed from adjectives here.

 

• When the Chameleon brings forth a child, is not that child expected to dance?

King Odewale was addressed with this proverb when sickness and death struck the land of Kutuje. They wanted Odewale to act fast towards eradicating the disease in his kingdom. 

This proverb implies that much is expected from one whom had been given a greater position (or responsibility).

 

• When rain falls on the leopard, does it wash off its spots?

This proverbial question was thrown at king Odewale when a mysteruous disease infected the land of Kutuje.

The people thought he was unbothered about their ill health, and thus questioned him if kingly life and riches had made him lose his love for his people.

 

• Only a madman would go to sleep with his roof on fire

This proverb was king Odewale's response to the people's complaints and frustration.

Through this proverb, he professed his great concern pertaining his people's trauma; also emphasizing that himself and his family aren't spared by the sickness.

You can read on why suffering and pain exist in our world here.

 

• The secrets of the home should be known first by the head of the home

Aderopo wanted king Odewale to receive his message from the Ifa priest in secrecy, (and not in the presence of the elders). This message was the answers he got during his visit to the priest of Ifa in Ile-Ife, with regards to the sickness and death that haunted the land of Kutuje.

This proverb was uttered by Aderopo in an attempt to convince king Odewale to hear the message first before any other person. He used this proverb due to the sensitiveness of the message.

 

• Until the rotten tooth is pulled out, the mouth must chew with caution:

This proverb was again used by Aderopo when he attempted to discharge the news he got from Ile-Ife after he visited the ifa priest there. This visit was to tell the root cause of the sickness and death in the kingdom of Kutuje.

He used this proverb to explain his carefulness in discharging this news to king Odewale. He implied that caution and patience are of utmost importance when uttering certain words or messages.

 

• The horns cannot be too heavy for the head of the cow that must bear them

This proverb was used by Odewale's inherited wife 'Queen Ojuola' in an attempt to compel Aderopo (her second son) to discharge the message from the oracle of Ifa (in Ile-Ife) with regards to the ongoing sickness in the land. 

This proverb implies that no matter the gravity of the message, the receiver (herself and her husband in this case) will always shoulder the consequences.

 

• A cooking pot for the chameleon is a cooking pot for the lizard:

This was Odewale's response to Aderopo's proverb. He utilized this proverb to display his transparency, while also explaining the equality among his people and himself; even though he was king. For this reason, he debunked Aderopo's claim of hearing the message from Ile-Ife first, before anyone else.

You can read on the parable of the prodigal son and the moral lesson learnt here.

 

• An eagle does not go to the market place unless there is something there

This proverb was directed at king Odewale through the royal bard when he paid a visit to the sick people of Kutuje. The king was eulogized (praised) through this proverb.

This proverb means that the actions of a highly valued individual are done for a good reason or purpose.

 

• By trying often, the monkey moves from tree to tree without falling

This proverb was uttered by king Odewale in response to a claim that a woman's children wasn't using their medicines. 

By this proverb, Odewale meant that one must be consistent in his/her practices if they desire an ideal result. In order words, the woman's children should keep using their medicines if they indeed seek healing.

 

• The moon moves slowly but by daybreak, it crosses the sky

This proverb was said by king Odewale in an attempt to encourage the people of Kutuje to remain patient, while consistently using their medicines.

He ensured them that the land will be healed with time.

Please read on the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience here.

 

• Two rams cannot drink from the same bucket at the same time! They will lock horns

This proverb was used by king Odewale after Aderopo (second son of the late king) delivered to him the message from Ile-Ife concerning the disease and death in Kutuje.

Since king Odewale was displeased by the message, he became angry with Aderopo, believing that he is against his kingship, with intentions to overthrow him.

In simple terms, this proverb implies that two leaders cannot live together in harmony in the same spot, position or location. 

 

• If you rise too early the dew of life will soak you

King Odewale directed this proverb at Aderopo in order to caution (or warn) him. He did this because he wrongly envisaged that Aderopo conspires against his kingship, with intentions to usurp him.

Through this proverb, king Odewale implied that it is very unwise for Aderopo to showcase, express and overestimate his abilities towards becoming the next king of Kutuje, especially when he's still alive.

You can read on Jesus' teaching on forgivrnes here.

 

• Is it not ignorance that makes the rat attack the cat?

This proverb was said by Baba Fakunle after he indirectly accused king Odewale; an unfortunate truth that the king was yet to realize. To this end, Odewale’s guards attempted to rush on him.

This proverb implied that it is an act of foolishness for one to challenge things that can destroy them. 

 

• He who drums for a sick man is himself a sick man

This proverb was said after Baba Fakunle pointed accusing fingers at king Odewale as the murderer of the late king. In fact, one of the chief's termed baba Fakunle as 'mad' in an attempt to pacify king Odewale.

This proverb implies that anyone who argues with a fool is consequently a fool.

 

• The lion’s liver is vain wish for dogs

This proverb was used by the royal bard to pacify king Odewale.

Through this proverb, it is implied that it is a task in futility to dethrone such a brave leader as king Odewale.

 

• The hyena flirts with the hen, the hen is happy, not knowing that her death has come

This proverb was used by king Odewale after he was subtly accused of being the ultimate cause of the sickness and death that traumatized his kingdom.

Through this proverb, he insinuated that certain people were conspiring against his kingship, perhaps because he was a foreigner.

By this proverb, it is dangerous for a foreigner to mingle with people who are not his own.

You can read on the bible story of creation here.

 

• Ignorance makes the rat call a cat to a fight

Alaka directed this proverb at the bodyguards who attempted to stop him from seeing the king.

This proverb explains that ignorance is a key factor that makes a less powerful individual rise against a more powerful individual.

 

• Secrets of the owl must not must not be known in daylight

This proverb was used when Alaka refused to disclose the secret behind king Odewale's real parents.

This proverb implies that it isn't wise to utter certain words in public.

 

• The mangrove tree dwells in the river; but does that make it a crocodile?

King Odewale said this proverb to queen Ojuola, implying that he isn't truly a tribe of Kutuje even though he is their king.

Simply put, this proverb means that the mere fact that one is living among a group of people doesn't mean he is ideally (or truly) a part of them.

 

• The monkey and gorilla may claim oneness but the monkey is monkey and the gorilla, gorilla

This is another proverb which King Odewale addressed to queen Ojuola, implying that he could never be truly part of their tribe.

This proverb means that it is just a mere claim to say that a person is a part of a particular tribe, especially when such person thinks (or believes) within himself or herself that they aren't truly members of that tribe.

You can read on homonyms explained with examples here.

 

• Can the cockroach be innocent in the gathering of fowls?

Odewale adderessed this proverb to his chiefs, claiming they were being biased against him through their words.

This proverb implies that no one speaks for a stranger when evil had been perpetrated against him or her; and that's because the stranger isn't a part of their tribe.