A seemingly simple tale from Nigeria is actually a description of the creation and order of the universe - no small feat. By animating natural elements with human qualities, the story provides us a way to feel that we too are a part of the natural order. The observation that nature appears to follow certain rules - in this case, gravity - suggested to humans that our survival depended upon an imitation of celestial patterns. Local ceremonies were performed on sacred days that marked significant events in the sky, such as an equinox or solstice. The king and queen of the village donned masks and other symbolic implements and played the parts of the Sun and Moon. These rituals were meant to ensure the stability of the planets and their own community. They honored nature and hoped to gain some control over it.

Long ago, the Sun and Moon met and married. They built a beautiful house for themselves on dry Land and began their life together. As newly wed couples often do, they stayed in their home for many months, never straying from one another. But after a time the Moon said to her husband, "I am rather sad, because our dear friend the Ocean has not paid us a visit." The Sun, wishing to please his wife, agreed that they should share their joy, and immediately invited the Ocean to be their guest.

"You are very kind to think of me," said the Ocean, "But I am afraid I cannot accept your offer." "I knew it," waxed the Moon, "You don't like us anymore." "Ah, no," said the Ocean, "Indeed I do, but I don't think I will fit into your house." The Sun darkened. "Are you saying that my house is not grand enough for you?" "Not at all," replied the Ocean, "I'm sure your house matches your brilliance, but - "

"Then you will come," the Moon said. "Very well," sighed the Ocean. The couple threw open the doors to their house, which indeed was immense and stretched across the Land as far as could be seen. The Ocean seeped meekly across the threshold. "Come, come," laughed the Sun, "Do not be shy, there's plenty of room for you." And so the Ocean began to flow more swiftly in.

Soon the entire floor of the house was covered in water. "You see," said the Moon, "There was nothing to worry about." "Um, yes," said the Ocean, "But actually I have only begun to enter," and with that a large wave rushed across the room and splashed against all the walls. The Moon giggled and the Sun yelped with surprise, and they both lifted off the ground to avoid getting wet. "My apologies," murmured the Ocean, "But I believe the fish have come with me," and indeed the house now held many creatures swimming about. "Think nothing of it, there is room for all," said the Sun, rising a bit higher and motioning for his wife to do the same.

On and on the Ocean came flooding in. Before long the Sun and Moon were bumping against the ceiling, and then were forced outside and onto the roof. "Tell me, my friend," the Sun called down, "Are you just about in?" "I believe I am nearly halfway there," roared the Ocean. "You are most generous to invite me." The Sun and Moon looked at one another. Rather than be inhospitable, they simply lifted off the house and rose higher and higher into the sky. Far below they saw their once magnificent house floating upside down.

So it came to be that the Sun and Moon took up permanent residence in the Sky, and found harmony with the Land and the Ocean. And although they take turns looking down with curiosity, they have never again touched ground.

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Last modified: Tue Jul 1 15:43:36 PDT 1997

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