Queen Pokou

Led by their Queen Pokou, a group of people reached Komoe river after a long and onerous journey. The river was upset, swollen with water and seemed too dangerous to cross. The priest was consulted on how to cross the river safely, and after having contemplated the Komoe he said that a sacrifice was required, a loved one had to be given to the river to ensure safe passage for all. Pokou held her son closely before she with tears in her eyes threw the infant into the water, crying "Ba ouli" - the child is dead - as she saw her son disappear into the water. Her group took the name Baoule to honor the queen and her loss. Pokou and her people could safely cross the river on the back of hippopotamuses who appeared and formed a bridge for them. The Baoule settled on the other side of the river and though she mourned the loss of her son, Pokou ruled her people with compassion and wisdom.