IDEMILLI The River Python Goddess.

 Idemili is a river goddess of Nnobi in Anambra state. Idemili is also known as Eke Mili meaning { Python of the sea}.

The story of Idemili, the river goddess in Nigeria, is a popular folktale that has been passed down through generations in the Igbo culture. It tells the story of a beautiful young woman who was chosen by the gods to be the guardian of the Idemili River.

It is said that the Visit of the snake to people's homes could mean different things as the snake is said to have the power to bring good or bad tidings. For instance, if a noble person is about to pass on, a python could visit a relation of the person by dying in the house of the person.

Its shrine can be found in that community and is one of the oldest shrines in Igbo land. it is a secret shrine and the worship of pythons {Eke} happens. Hence the killing of pythons in that area is forbidden.

According to the legend, Idemili was a stunningly beautiful woman who lived in a village near the river. She was known throughout the land for her kindness, her intelligence, and her beauty. One day, while she was walking along the riverbank, she saw a group of men fishing in the river. She watched them for a while and noticed that they were catching a lot of fish. However, as she watched, she realized that the men were not respecting the river and were taking more fish than they needed.

Idemili knew that the river was sacred and that it was home to many spirits and gods. She decided to speak to the men and tell them to be more respectful of the river. However, when she approached them, they ignored her and continued to fish as they had been doing. Frustrated and saddened by their disrespect, Idemili decided to take matters into her own hands.

That night, she went to the river and called out to the spirits and gods of the water. She asked them to help her protect the river and to punish those who disrespected it. The spirits heard her plea and granted her wish. They made her the guardian of the river and gave her the power to control the waters and punish those who did not respect the river.

Idemili was overjoyed at her new role and took her responsibilities very seriously. She spent her days protecting the river and its inhabitants and punishing those who disrespected it. She became known as the river goddess and was worshipped by many in the surrounding villages. 

However, as time passed, Idemili began to realize that her powers were not enough to protect the river from the increasing pollution and destruction caused by humans. She knew that she needed to take drastic action to save the river and its inhabitants.

One day, she called upon the spirits of the water and asked them to flood the land around the river. The spirits heard her plea and sent a great flood that swept through the land, destroying everything in its path. Many people lost their homes and their livelihoods, and there was great suffering and loss.

Realizing the impact of her actions, Idemili became overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. She realized that her desire to protect the river had caused great harm to the people who depended on it for their survival. She begged the spirits for forgiveness and promised to use her powers only for good from then on.