MYTH, MYSTICISM AND THE SPIRIT-CHILD SYNDROME IN THE FAMISHED ROAD

Abstract

This paper examines the Yoruba belief of the concept of Abiku or spirit-child and mysticism as enshrined in the Yoruba's cosmology which is exemplified in Ben Okri's “The Famished Road”. The work will focus on the mystic power of the spirit-child and how the novelist used this in advancing the plot development of the text. The scope of the research is to assess the extent of commitment applied by the author and how well he is able to instill same in his characters. The theory adopted for this research is the magical realist theoretical framework, propounded and popularised by Franz Fanon in 1925. This theory deals with myths, the supernatural, fantasy and reality. The text foregrounds African world-view regarding the belief in re-incarnation and Abiku syndrome. This study unravels Ben Okri's commitment towards the exploration of myths to reveal an aspect of the African cultural relevance. The methodology for the research is theory-based. Therefore, data was sourced from primary and secondary sources. The study notes that Ben Okri applies his mythical narrative to unveil the themes of corruption and failed leadership of the Nigerian State. The study also reveals how the author successfully explores real-life, fantasy and the supernatural. The study concludes that people not only believe in abiku myth, but also believe in the abiku-child. This has resulted in the recent establishment of a worship congregation: 'Ogbanje Church of All Nations,' in Nnewi, Anambra State of Nigeria on the fifth of August, 2023. It also recommends more research on the myth, its existence in other cultures, the name it bears and the modus operandi.