The First Laibon and the Serpent

The first Samburu laibon (prophet and diviner) was a humble herder. A great drought afflicted the land. One day, while searching for water for his cattle, he followed a strange track to a hidden spring at the base of a sacred mountain. A giant Serpent with eyes like jewels was coiled around the spring. The man was not afraid. He bowed respectfully. The Serpent spoke to him, its voice like the rustling of leaves. "You have found this sacred place because your heart is pure," it said. "I will teach you the secrets of the earth: how to read the patterns in the sand, how to find medicinal plants, and how to call the rain. This knowledge will belong to you and your descendants." The Serpent taught him everything, and the man became the first laibon. In return, the laibon's clan was forbidden from ever killing a serpent, for the snake was the original source of their spiritual power and wisdom.