In the picturesque village of Kalungu, nestled near the Great Lake, a tale of beauty and serenity unfolded. The houses blended seamlessly into the lush banana gardens, and sunny courtyards adorned with lemon, guava, and pawpaw trees brimmed with ripe, succulent fruits. Young goat herders played fearlessly on the hill-sides, their laughter ringing through the air, for everything in Kalungu exuded peace and happiness.
Yet, once upon a time, Kalungu was a place of despair and sorrow. A menacing serpent known as Sesota lurked on the hillside, descending daily to the village to capture and devour its unfortunate inhabitants. This nightmare persisted, causing terror and despair until the people, driven to the brink of hopelessness, fled to distant villages, leaving Kalungu abandoned and desolate.
News of the village’s plight reached the King, and he convened a council to seek a solution. Various chiefs offered their ideas, but none dared to confront the dreadful Sesota. That was until a destitute peasant named Waswa arrived at the council, declaring, “Sirs, I will slay Sesota.” The councilors offered him spears and hunting knives, but Waswa declined them all, insisting, “Give me a large water-pot, blue beads, brass and ivory bracelets, and a ring, and I shall journey forth to vanquish Sesota.”
With his requested items in hand, Waswa embarked on his daring quest, his young son accompanying him, carrying the water-pot with the precious gifts inside. As they walked, Waswa played a haunting tune on his reed pipe, the lyrics echoing through the hills:
Sesota, Sesota, King of the Snakes,
Beautiful presents I bring.
The King of Uganda has sent me today
With bracelets and beads and a ring.
Sesota, perched on the hillside, heard the melody drawing closer. The snake, fond of music, listened intently and replied:
I am Sesota, the King of the Snakes;
Two bold intruders I see.
But if they bring me the gifts of a King,
They will be welcomed by me.
With the snake’s invitation in mind, Waswa and his son entered Kalungu and took shelter in the courtyard of an abandoned house. The young boy placed the water-pot on the ground and concealed himself inside the house. Unwavering, Waswa continued to play his pipe, the same haunting tune resounding through the village.
Sesota, lured by the melody, slithered down the hillside, its massive form inching closer until it reached the courtyard where Waswa sat. Unfazed, Waswa continued to play and sang:
Sesota, Sesota, King of the Snakes,
Enter this water-pot here.
The King of Uganda has sent you a bed
On which you shall sleep for a year.
Hearing this, Sesota obediently coiled itself within the water-pot, settling down for a deep slumber. Waswa played softly, repeatedly singing:
Sesota, Sesota, Sesota, Sesota, Sesota, Sesota, Sesota.
Observing the serpent’s peaceful slumber, Waswa called to his son, and the child, silent as a shadow, placed the lid on the water-pot and secured it tightly. Together, they hoisted the pot, and as they departed for the capital, Waswa played his pipe continuously, rejoicing in his heart. His song echoed:
Sesota, Sesota, King of the Snakes,
Sleeps on the bed of a King.
Beat all the drums, play all the harps,
Dance and make merry and sing.
As they journeyed, word of their success spread like wildfire, drawing villagers from every corner. They joined the procession, singing, dancing, and playing instruments, for the great serpent that had terrorized them had been captured. The crowd swelled as they reached the capital, where the King and his chiefs emerged from the Council House, and jubilation rang through the air.
Upon the King’s command, a grand bonfire was ignited, and within its fiery heart, the colossal Sesota met its fiery demise.
The King, in gratitude, turned to Waswa and declared, “I grant you the village of Kalungu. You shall become its chief, and your descendants shall bear the name ‘Wakalungu’.” Waswa’s son, who had carried the water-pot, inherited his father’s role as chief, and his descendants still reside in Kalungu today, their legacy intertwined with the tale of Sesota, a serpent conquered through courage and cunning.
