Faran Maka Bote, Master of the River

The first people to settle the Niger River bend were the Sorko fishermen. A great river spirit, a hippopotamus named Zinkibaru, ruled the river and demanded tribute. A powerful hero emerged named Faran Maka Bote, who was born of a human father and a water-spirit mother. He was a giant with immense magical powers. Faran challenged Zinkibaru for control of the Niger. Their battle was epic, churning the waters and shaking the riverbanks. Faran, using his superior magic, defeated the hippopotamus spirit and became the master of the river and all its creatures. He taught the Sorko people how to live in harmony with the river, respecting its spirits (hohlo) while also benefiting from its bounty of fish. Faran Maka Bote is the great culture hero of the Songhai, and the sorko praise-singers and ritual specialists are said to be his direct descendants, keeping the memory of his deeds alive.