Dirriqee

According to traditions marriages of unmarried young children were arranged by parents or guardians. Arranged marriages are made between people of equal social status and compatible clans. There were also marriages arranged to strengthen power and position. All these don’t mean that all marrying children would willingly submit to their parents’ wishes. There were cases where youngsters run away with one they love or force parents to pay attention to their choice.

Marriages were not always based on the free will of the intermarrying families. Refusal could affect ones relation in society. Unless there is a reasonable face saving device to reject a request could amount to declaration of war on a clique. For this reason some times parents were forced to go against the wish of family members. The need to create alliance with other families and have a say in societal power structure and to satisfy the wishes of the young had remained in contradiction for generations.

For Dirriqee that was not her problem. Her problem was to accept a suitor that was arranged for her by her father. After a determined struggle she was able to force her father change his mind in her favor. The person who asked for her hand could affect Abbaa Urgeessaa in many ways. But he has to fulfill his daughters wish by accepting a young competitor whom she had never seen but fell in love from what she heard about him.

She was the only girl in the family. For this reason her role model was her brother, Fidaa. He was a courageous and upright person. Then, a person’s courage was measured by the type and numbers of big games he killed. It was told he had several ilikee after his name starting from his teen age years. An Ilikee is five kills from one type of animals. He has killed lions, buffalos, elephants, panthers among others in addition to men he killed in battle fields. 

Fidaa was still a bachelor. He had participated in several war campaigns and earned several presents from the mootii (king). The mootii was also his cousin. Dirriqee didn’t like being a girl. The parents want her to grow up in the tradition of girls. But she wanted to grow up like her obboo or elder brother. Obboo also favored her. He doesn’t have siblings except her and would have liked if she could go on campaigns with him. It didn’t happen she was only a girl.

Anyways he had secretly taught her horse riding, spear throwing and rifle shooting. She was not second to him in hitting targets. This was going to play great role in her life. No body knew her abilities except him and his servant Tolaa. Though a servant, because they grew up together Fidaa treated him like a brother. For this reason he has won the confidence of Fidaa and Dirriqee.  Tolaa is a man who dies with confidential matter entrusted to him.

In the meantime some one sent for the hand of Dirriqee in marriage. The person was filthy rich. He had more than one thousand heads of cattle. He has taken bath in milk tab. He had worn stomach of cattle according to tradition of great cattle raisers of the time. He administers several wives. His age could pass for what is termed old man. He was bald headed and had pointed teeth. Over and above this he smokes gaayyaa (tobacco pipe made of gourd filled with water).

There was always feast at his home. It was in his chambers that Leeqaa intrigues were woven. He wanted to have Abbaa Urgeessaa on his side of the balance. Love and respect Abbaa Urgeessaa family had in the society was no less than that of the mootii family. That was why he asked for their daughter’s hand. The intimacy created by being in-laws can be seen from the saying “soddaa fi fiddoo wajjin kufuu” (you fall with trousers and in-laws). That was what the man was expecting from the relationship to be formed. 

Dirriqee was only a kid whose breast is just starting to bud. She hated herself when she heard “jarsaa” (elderly delegates) were sent to ask for her hand. Another boy also sent for her hand at the same time. This one was a youth known in his area for valor. His name was Karkarsaa.

Karkarsaa was short and stout. He had a receding forehead on left and right and his hair curly. His torso was wide like that of the lion. Below the torso he doesn’t seem to have stomach at all. Like all Oromoo youth he keeps “rigaa” (brush from green twigs) in his mouth for cleaning his teeth as well as keeping thirst away.

 For this reason his teeth were always glittering white. The state to which he was then a citizen was not yet subdued by Wanaagaa at that time. It was told that during many campaigns he pulled out spear that stacked in him and killed his enemies by throwing it back. He didn’t have wealth. But he was from the tribe of the kings of Ballee. Land belonged to the mootii. He is the one who distribute to citizen according to their deeds.

As told by many Karkarsaa was only twelve when he first went out to Baqqoo on hunting trip to help in preparing tobacco for his father’s gaayyaa. Baqqoo is an area where they hunt for big games. The hunting group was led by the king. Each one built a makeshift hut around the king’s tent. The king then was from the Abbaa Dikoo family. Until that day Karkarsaa used to be scared by every thing.

Despite his fear of crowds his parents subject him to it hoping he might one day get used to it. But he didn’t show any sign of tolerance to group of people. If visitors come to his father he used to hide behind partitions. Every one used to take him as a coward. To know his defects there was no qaalluu not consulted and no mooraa (suet) unread. But solution was not found for his defects.

Every one of his age carries spear of one’s size. For the sake of it a bodee (small spear) was forged for him too. It was only his mother Jifaaroo who never gave upon him that he will one day use it. She was the one who smoked and prepared the wooden shaft of his spear. She couldn’t believe that she gave birth to a timid child. Inside she always hoped he would change. There was no time that she passed the Irreessa of Qaajjii without a vow.  She was the daughter of Balaa, a Sayyoo man who never misses a throw like his name (balaa means catastrophe).

When his father and others go out for hunting he remains in the hut for the whole day. He even pees through the opening in the wall of the hut.  He didn’t have other call of nature; otherwise he would have answered it in the hut itself and wait for the coming of his dad rather than going out alone. He saw mootii several time through holes in the partition, he had never come close to him.

One day while separated from his entourage the mootii encountered an angry elephant. Angry probably its kid was killed. Then he started galloping towards the camp as fast as he could for the beast was on his heels. As he came nearer to the camp Karkarsaa heard a sound of hooves coming towards him. With spear in his hand he peeped out and surveyed the surrounding with his eyes. He saw a mountain chasing the king. He had never seen an elephant. Now he visualized the honor of the nation and the shame the kings fate could bring to the country if harmed by what was behind him. To flee is to dishonor the name of his father; hence he chose to die fighting.  That was to become a turning point in his life.

He suppressed all his fears and with determination he jumped forward and yelled “gichillaa abbayyee!” (Panther of daddy) And put his small spear into the eyes of the monster that was focusing on the king and his horse. The animal left the king and turned towards him with spear hanging from his eyes. The lad then climbed a huge gatamaa tree (a type of oak) like an ape.

The king didn’t believe the elephant had turned away from him. Then he saw bodee hanging from its eyes and Karkarsaa hurrying up the huge tree. After that it didn’t take him time he strokes the animal on a critical spot and brought it down. Had this not happened, the boy would have been crushed with the tree. Karkarsaa then jumped over the dying elephant, pulled out the king’s spear with golden ferrule and presented to him kowtowing. Then he also pulled out his small spear from the eyes and went around the elephant bragging the following lyric.

Gichillaa abbayyee
Lolee Abbaa Dikoo lolee mootichaa
Dabeenyi baddee amma gooticha

In short this means:

A panther of my father
A soldier of the king, Abbaa Dikoo
Cowardice is gone am now the hero.

The king was elated. He bent down and embraced the boy. He asked his name and his root to make sure that he had done his homework. Otherwise he knew that he was his uncle’s son. The boy was happy for he has something to tell to his peers back home. He then bowed and went backwards to keep his distance from his majesty.

The elephant only fainted not yet dead. In between the hunters came and made an end to it. Shyness and fear had left the lad and like others did, he joined the entourage and prostrated before the king and saluted him. The system of administration and respect were borrowed from neighbors with a monarchic system in particular the Kafichoo. The Oromo had no bowing tradition. Even he prays to Waaqaa looking upwards. Yet Oromo ethical and moral codes were in tact even after adopting some of others political practices.

Karkarsaa run and hugged his dad. Abbaa Uggaa kissed his head and said “Oh Waaq galata kee (thanks to you Waaq) for making a man out of my son”.  Abbaa Uggaa was an old man. For this reason his relation with his son was that of a grand son, more affectionate and closer than it used to be with a son. Since he was the first to wound the elephant the right to own the kill was Karkarsaa’s.  The news has already spread throughout the nation by agents. The “faachaa” (tail) trophy was prepared as in tradition and given him to carry and brag with it in the way towards home. Stronger men carried for him the trunk and tusk.

With it he jumped and danced special dance of a killer. Gurree is nick name of elephant (when he says one line the others say “Ishooyee)

Ishoo ishoo yaa gurree/ well-done gurree 
Gurree faachaa baqqalaa/ gurree of red faachaa
Nat ajjeessee maggala / I am who is braging by killing

Anat bodee darbate/ I am who threw bodee
Gurreetu ijaan simate/ gurree welcomed it with its eye
Mootiidhaa jilbeenfate/ it kneeled down for mootii

An muka yaabee hinbeekuu/ I had never climbed tree
Gatamaadhaan yaabbadhee/ I climbed gatamaa
Gurree utaleen haammadhe/ I jumped and embraced gurree
(another person takes the song changing rhythm in the mean time  says  “Kumkum” to the girl dancing in front of him moving the faachaa and his head up and down in front of him/the others say “Ishooyee” when the following is sang line by line.)

Ishoo hin jettuu/ you don’t say ishoo?
Maaf cal jettu/ why keep quite
Haati indaaqqoo kaakkistu dhaa/ mother of hen is cackling
Lafoon busee caalchistuu dha/ Busee’s foot soldier is the greatest
Faachi kunii/ this faachaa
Faachaa eenyuu/ whose faachaa
Kan  Karkarsaa/ Karkarsaa’s
Jalaa dheessaa, ni gaggabsaa/ retreat from it faints
Abbaan arbaa ilka baasee/ the owner of elephant has plucked the tusk
Huyyum jedhi maal sodaatte/ Say huyyuum what are you afraid of
Kumkum kumkum kumkum jettuu/ kumkum kumkum do you say kumkum
Mal  qusatu /why are you resrved
Karkeen dhufee leenci Buusee / Karkee has com kion of Busee
Gurree fidee lammii boonse/ he brought gurree and made nation proud

On his way girls came out with specially prepared ointment from butter and smeared his head and sang in his praise and danced with him.  On that day no butter was left at home. All that have killed were smeared but young Karkarsaa’s was special and unique.
Karkarsaa was almost in trance he bragged and sang songs which he had never uttered before. He was recording in his mind all he heard when he was a recluse. A big ceremony was waiting for them at home where he will reveal his real kill. After accompanying the mootii home and participating in the royal welcome ceremony all went home.  Karkarsaa’s mother was eagerly waiting with specially prepared aromatic butter.

All the way from the palace at Yiinachee to Qaajjii he came singing and dancing. Praising the womb that produced him and his entire relatives that he made proud were mentioned. At home his mother and clan girls came out to dance with him. Every one was elated.
They then went in and took their respective places. Male members of the audience sit according to the type and number they killed so far. Every one sang about the greatness of his kill and the endurance it required to put it down. Those who killed men sing first. Lion is usually second but to kill a cat is a taboo for that family so there is no bragging about it.  The boy for the first time bragged in public. He got up he moved from left to right and expressed his loyalty to the mootii and his pride of being the son of a great father from the womb of the great Sayyittii. When the ceremony was over every guest went home.

From that time on the mootii took Karkarsaa to the palace and looked after him as his own son. He made it sure that he was taught war tactics and at young age he became a “gudduu”, leader of a squad.

An agent of the boy had told all these to Dirriqee. Dirriqee fell in love before seeing him. Every morning on rising she vows to the hill behind their house if it fulfills her wishes. She promises that she will bring a bull for sacrifice every year.  Her father seemed to vow for the other mans success.

Her mother, Caaltee Daankii Leelloo was from Daa’itoo clan. Caaltee was not happy about the condition of her daughter. She was afraid that she might harm herself. It had been a while since the brother had been away to gammoojii on business trip. The elders whom the other man sent had taken appointment for discussing the program of marriage. Only ten days were remaining.

Dirriqee knows that it was only her brother that could device a way out. She called for Tolaa and instructed him to go down to gammoojii as fast as possible and tell her message to the brother. Unless he comes fast and give me a solution tell him that we shall never see each other alive again.

Tolaa walked day and night and delivered her message. The brother spent no time when he harnessed his horse and leave for Baddaa (the high land). When he arrived he observed that there was some disturbance around. It has been two days since Dirriqee ate food. Her mother’s cheeks were inflamed with tears. In the living room the father was sulking.

As soon as he entered the living room Fidaa kissed his fathers knees and sat down. Is every thing ok, he asked him? It is good that you came, the father said; an arrogant girl in this house is opposing marriage and wants to remain at home. She has refused to eat food and emaciating. There is a saying he told him, “When it was said the mule cut the tying rope, the answer was she shortened it on herself”. It is customary that marrying girls should be denied food starting some days before wedding; it only helps me to hasten her wedding day.

If she listens to you advise her, said the father to Fidaa. Why do you joke on me dad, how can I advise her she is just like you. What do you mean said the father? When did you say ok to what you didn’t believe in? Is this not same attitude that created misunderstanding even with the Chief, your uncle? When did I oppose just cause? The head on clash with the chief is on matter of national independence.

First we were happy when he declared he was working for the unity of all surrounding tribes. That is why we waged war with Sayyoo Sibuu and Leeqaa living upon Jawwee River. Our campaign was first successful. But when some tribes rebelled, instead of using diplomacy the army was sent and lives and property unnecessarily destroyed. In a war with Anfilloo we lost great number of fighters.
Recently campaign is being prepared against Anfilloo in retaliation of past defeat. At a time when we are expected to prepare to defend ourselves from Habashaa invasion that had already crossed the Gibee, we are turning against our own people. Fatansaa Iluu has sent for us to form a common front. Morodaa and other Leeqaa leaders have chosen to submit. Daannoo Beeraa’s children are going to face the real enemy alone. Those who submitted are advising the chief to follow their example.

We are afraid to face Anfilloo alone. As a result the court is mobilizing alliance of aliens, Arabs and Habashaa. Morodaa is advising Wanaagaa to ask Goobanaa for help. These are people who are putting the nation into shame in addition to the great treachery by Goobanaa. That is what I opposed. The case of Anfilloo is an internal matter. Foreigners should not be invited to assist. By this, mark my word; we are going to lose our independence. That is what I opposed and fell out of favor with the so called uncle.

I am now under surveillance. Asking my daughter’s hand is part of that. I don’t want my plans to be aborted because of that. Don’t despise me that is politics. I am not in good shape. I am trying to save my skin when I should have thought for defense of our nation. Now that is a lost case. They have put us in a situation where we cannot even oppose. Goobanaa is destroying Sibuu. Much is being heard about Dilii Guutee (the battle of Guutee). This is enough for you. You will be informed when I feel necessary. No more questions said Abbaa Urgeessaa.

Coming back to your sister I only wanted her to get married; when did I ever put her on the harms way asked Abbaa Urgeessaa? Do you want her to marry or to marry your buddy asked Fidaa? I only said a solicitor has come and she has to marry. Is there any thing wrong with this asked the father smiling? You now know, that the person found for her is renowned and wealthy? He has great influence on state affairs. How long would she live in my house when she can be an instrument to save situations?

Father you are making it more complicated. Let us leave it here for today and I will come back next day. I will also get time to consult her. He said good night to his father and went into the kitchen to say hello to his mother and others. His mother was already waiting for him; she embraced him and said it is good that you reached me in time. Dirroo refused eating and I have kept guards around her so that she will not commit further damage to her self.

Tolaa, the one she listen to, I don’t know whether you have sent for him has disappeared since the other day. Where is she now he asked? Down in your godoo (cottage) she replied. Let me go and bring her here you prepare us food for I am also hungry he said and left for his godoo.

When she saw him she jumped and hanged on him, her hands around his neck and her legs around his waist. The brother was tall with broad shoulders. She sobbed endlessly. He was stun by her condition and couldn’t utter a word. So he took her on his arms and put her on dais. Now leave every thing to me he said to her. Let us go and eat our supper and we shall discuss every thing on return and they left to the family house. She didn’t say any thing against what he said. She didn’t also say that she will not eat but started trotting behind him like a pet dog.

They reached home, ate and drunk what they were given but the item she was expecting, meat was not provided. Unless you give me meat I will throw out all I ate, she warned.  You refused the one who can provide you with meat day and night, and from where do you expect us to bring for you? He intentionally ordered the service of meat to be delayed for he knew her character; otherwise there had been no time that meat was not available at their home.

Brother, I would rather eat soil than eating from hands of that bald headed, buckteeth peer of my father. Is it not said that one who can give me buffalo meat and who is also my peer had also asked my hand? He has not heard that. Ok, ok boys bring us the meat. They ate the meat gulped it with mild daadhii and went back to his godoo to lay down tactics for convincing the old man. Her mother praised Abbaa Caffee (the sprit of the highest priest) for her daughters eating food.

Who was the person you mentioned before, Fidaa asked? She told him his name and that he is the son of Abbaa Uggaa, a member of the royal family of Ballee. His face started brightening when she mentioned the name. They had together participated in many battles. There were those which he believes victory could not have been achieved without his presence. But he didn’t tell this to her. Ok, now does it mean that what you refused is not marriage but the person?

Brother! Marriage is inevitable. But it is better to get drowned in Qambarrii than marry good for nothing person, she asserted. Because I am your little sister don’t think I am not interest in the affair of the land. This person is a white ant. He had already destroyed the state from inside. It is rumored that he has contact with Goobanaa. I am sure father knows it but he is afraid of him. Be it this man or father they are of past generation. We are the ones who are going to suffer because of what they have done and are doing. So I don’t take the question of my marriage easily. 

There is a river called Qambarrii below their house, where many people lost their lives. He didn’t like her implied determination to do harm to herself. Her knowledge also shocked the brother. It could have helped him a lot had father shared his problem with her was what Fidaa thought. She is not less informed than him about the intrigues of Wanaagaa. But Fidaa didn’t dwell on that. Who told you that the man has sent for you, he asked her? What does it matter, couldn’t mother tell you if you ask her? Ok now let me take you back to the house and they went back.

She went into her hearth. He called for his mother and started consultation. The mother informed him all that he inquired. Then they formulated a device of presenting it to the father next morning. It was said that intrigue coined by Haadha Urgeessaa cannot be untied. At the end they agreed on Dirriqee’s idea and the method of presentation and went to bed.

The brother went out in the morning and observed with his father when he was inspecting animals being taken out for grazing. In the mean time they raised different topics, about the country, about farming and rain etc and discussed. The father didn’t mention about Dirriqee and the brother also thought it untimely to raise it then. He postponed it for after breakfast session. He didn’t want to go into it on empty stomach. After herders took out all the animals father and son went into the house and ate together what was prepared for them.

Then coffee was ready, and the mother asked her husband to perform the ritual of blessing. The father didn’t want to do it so he said “you bless it yourself.” She uttered so many phrases among which were “soften hardened heart for us, show us the way of justice”. The father knew that the saying was focused on him and some what smiled. After coffee ceremony was over the brother told his mother to sit down and listen and then started to narrate what he investigated.

Most of what was presented was what was discussed with the mother last night. At the end the mother started asked questions as if she had no prior information. “If that was so why didn’t she openly tell to her father? We thought she was opposing marriage in general.” She continued and said that a young man had sent for her hand is true. “He is poor and doesn’t seem even to have where to shelter her. 

But Igguu is wealthy let alone her he could be of support for her relatives. Even the chief doesn’t go against what he says. Otherwise we all know that he is not her match in age. I don’t think her father would care the list if she wants to live in destitution. Is that not true Abbaa Urgeessaa?” She inquired.

The consequence of refusing the rich man only Abbaa Urgeessaa knew; Dirriqee may also guess. Abbaa Urgeessaa doesn’t want to discuss openly. He had passed through tortuous roads before. He doesn’t flinch an inch from what he believes. That was why he was in conflict with the chief and his officials several times. He had never quarreled with any one for self benefit. But if there is injustice he doesn’t simply pass by. He says justice should not be broken. He still believed in Makkoo Bilii’s Legislations.

Past experience is showing him the type of problems to come because of this marriage. The underground alliance formed not to tackle problems alone didn’t yet materialize. In between this one arose. Hence all his movements are going to be put under stronger surveillance. If it is known that his daughter was going to be married into a rival country the problem could be tenser. The chief’s daughter, Birriituu who was married to the king of that country has already turned enemy on him. But what Dirriqee asked was for justice. That goes with his principle. Come what may; my daughter will not get married to an old man to cover up my sin was what he was thinking inside.

He then called for Fidaa and ordered him to send to the messengers not to come for he had seen a bad omen. Fidaa immediately named elders to be sent and with tobacco and other gifts he sent them to the messengers to convey that abjuu and milkii (dreams and clairvoyance) were not good and so not necessary to come on the appointed day.

Dirriqee had already spread rumors in the village of the old man that she had lost her virginity.  It might be the mother who advised her. Persons from Igguu’s village had also seen her when she was jumping with Tolaa. That was not expected from a virgin. Though she had physical exercise training by Fidaa and Tolaa away from public eye at this time she might have done it purposely to misinform her enemies.  Dirriqee had clandestinely organized Wanaagaa girls for work and gossip. They met for mowing and fire wood collection. No one suspected any thing else. Since they came from all homes they exchange current information on what was going on in each home. That was the source of her information.

The old suitor didn’t believe that messengers had come from Abbaa Urgeessaa. He sent back a sympathetic message with high regards thanking them for their consideration. He was having problem on how to withdraw his proposal. It was while he was to preparing a message that said the spirits didn’t agree with him, and that he wants to put off the proposal for the time being. He was delighted that in this way his problem was solved. Dirriqee also saved her father from blames and clashes with authority.
Dirriqee married a poor young man. His wedding company was armed with new weapons and cavalry mounted on horses from Dungulaa. Donkeys that brought clothes and other gifts to the girl and the family were numberless. Such a procession was never seen before. It meant that an army of a kingdom came for her wedding.

“All this for a defiled?” said Igguu in his mind. He was invited and was at the ceremony. He leaned towards his friend and asked “what are we going to do when he shaves her head and send her back?” “These days’ children weigh consequences, and so he will bleed her lap and send it and would not even touch her for losing her virginity let alone sending her back, they could even be life long friends”, replied the friend. “In the last campaign they have defeated the enemy with cooperation of her brother”, Igguu’s friend added. It all happened as he said, though not for other consideration, her lap was not cut, but she was a pure virgin.

What he prophesied also came true; Dirriqee lived a good life for a long time since. The king gave the spouse several acres of land, among which were the land surrounding Bungaa hill and many servants. Though few of those lived to grow she also gave birth to several children. The eldest was called Dingataa. For this reason the spouse were referred to by that as adjective. She used to make several hunting trips with her husband like she did with her brother. Among these there is one worth noting.

They went out to hunt for small games in the surrounding with the husband, her best men and his friends. Dirriqee saw a monkey on a branch and took an aim. One among the husband’s friends was impetuous person who said, “Dirriqee if you hit that I will eat its eyes”. He doesn’t know Dirriqee much.

Karkarsaa beseeched him to drop his challenge, but with no avail. What he tried for several times and failed, how can a woman succeed? He supposed. He also wanted to break her morale so that she will not be seen as different from other women.   It was also rumored that this person was an informer of an enemy coming from the north. Dirriqee shot the monkey and dropped it to the ground. And bragging, “garaa Caaltee” (Caaltee’s tummy or I who came out of Caaltee’s womb) turned the gun against him.

“Go and eat otherwise by the death of Fidaa, I shall drop you dead and hinder you from achieving what you are going for”. This is the last vow. Once she said by the death of Fidaa she doesn’t even pick up a baby that has fallen into fire. All others knew this. They all run towards her with green grass in their hands, the symbol of peace and grace.

They begged her and said, let him do any other thing you like”. She refused to remove her gun pointing at him. She cited an Oromo proverb, “hamma namaa hin geessuu cabsa nama hin teessuu”, that meant “one who doesn’t measure up to others doesn’t rest from belittling them.

The person could not get up from where he knelt and was shivering with wet pants. Later as things started to get out of hand a best man she loved and trusted most, Xiichaa, came in between. He carried the dead monkey and walked towards her. He said appealingly, “Dirroo, please for my sake leave this person and I will eat the eyes”.  Brother I have sworn by my brother, don’t you see she said.

“Intaloo (Girl), haven’t you heard the saying, it is better to eat hyena and absolve oneself later than being eaten by it? Hyena was traditionally laguu (abstinence). Fidaa will not die because you said it, but if you disrespect me that would be your end with him too. She uttered an insult in Afaan Maawoo “giixireen kun, buuqqe niyaamme” and turned the barrel of her gun away from him. With under tone she murmured, “I could have saved you from fear of rumors.” She then said, “Yaa Waaq Afaan koo jette obboo irra hin laalin” (Don’t look at obboo because of what I said).

Boys! Come and take the monkey from my brother and burry it with honor for it died to expose a coward snitch. Let Waaqaa forgive us for failing to fulfill the vow. Since then no one, it was told, not even Abbaa Dingataa dared to joke with Haadha Dingataa. He was miraculously saved from her wrath several times, as their story goes.

At the beginning the devastation brought by the wars waged by relatives of Dirriqee, to subdue the other tribes and reunite western Maccaa created instability. During the first war the warriors of Ballee defeated and chased away Wanaagaa invaders. In retaliation Dirriqee’s relatives with the help from foreign fighters lead by Goobana Daaccii destroyed Ballee and captured their king, Abbaa Gimbii. That was a prelude to Habashaa colonization of that kingdom. When it came in full gear it destabilized societal relations. Finally the failed hope that the coming of Italian colonizers created left holes in many families. With the confusion all these created the love between the two spouses started to wane.

Abbaa Dingataa rose up in arms against reinstituted Habashaa forces. He was betrayed by his followers. Left with only the few loyal comrades he accepted the offer for peaceful resolution of conflict. In demonstration of force to the go betweens he was able to show a squad as a battalion by moving the same people through one door and bringing back around by changing berets and armaments plundered from Italians.

After the report of his strength was heard the Habashaa force agreed to negotiate. He and his force were given amnesty on condition they laid down their arms.  They agreed and were given amnesty. All went home until they were summoned by the Governor.  He told them that they were wanted in Shaggar to be appointed to high rank by the emperor. Karkarsaa was betrayed, in Shaggar he was directly taken to prison. 

After some years he was released from Shaggar prison while his son from a Salaalee woman was left behind to die there. Dirriqee loved that son. She was devastated when she heard the news and blamed Abbaa Dingataa for that. She believed that there was nothing Abbaa Dingataa couldn’t do. But Abbaa Dingataa himself was lucky enough to get the chance of release.

From then he lost all he had including the trust of his wife. After that they started to live miles apart, she in Bungaa and he in Shebel, separated but not divorced. He took a Habashaa wife called Tirfee who pampered him and fooled him into signing a vast expanse of coffee land for her as a gift. She in turn signed that land for her lover claiming him to be her brother and notarized it. Then she left the place never to return. That was the land that used to support him but the person came with court order and grabbed it. Abbaa Dingataa had yolks that he rented out for a living. He was miserable. Dirriqee occasionally visited him for he could not move.

He was paralyzed below the waist and died aged beyond hundred, without ever walking again. He was being honored by minstrels of the area even long after his death. Their life had a story that has no end. Dirriqee was impoverished in her last days but remained proud and commanded respect and love from all that a heroine deserved. It was said she led down and died peacefully without any pain under watch of her grandson, Machii Gurmeessaa.  That was what she always wished. Lovers still mention them in their love song like the following lines:

Eda roobaa bulee urjiin billiqee dhaa
Ko fuddheen siin galaa
Dalasaa Abaa Dingii galma Dirriqee dhaa
Karkarsa maal quufee Koomoo lagaa yaasee
Bittimsa daakuukee
Natti himta akaakukkee qoommoo irra si kaasee

Roughly translated:

It was raining the whole night stars were glittering
Come let me take you
To Abbaa Dingii’s compound and Dirriqee’s temple
What made Karkarsaa drive Koomoo out of the valley
I will scatter your flour
You will tell me your race raising from what your grind

Email: (if you would like a response) Invalid format.

Comments:

A value is required.