The Great Unifier: Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia (The black king who defy the delusive prestige of Britain royal families & asked Queen Victoria to marry him) One of the most magnificent Ethiopian leaders and founder of modern Ethiopia is Emperor Tewodros II. Tewodros II was always remained skeptical of European motive when it comes to their relations with Africa. But diplomacy with the English was severed when Tewodros negatively interpreted the lack of response to his letter written to Queen Victoria. The content of his letter partly was, “…because God was displeased by my fathers who reigned before me, our country was divided and a part of it was taken by the colonialists. Thus, he rose me from the ashes and bestowed me power to reunite my country…what is remaining is what is still controlled by the Turks and the Egyptians……..” Speaking of his correspondence with foreign powers and his suspiciousness of their intentions, Muse Lejan makes a concise but cogent observation of the Emperor’s sentiments. Tewodros told Lejan on his face, “I know European deceit. When they want to conquer a part of the eastern world, first they dispatch missionaries; later they will send consular diplomats who would reinforce the missionaries; finally their army of occupation. I am not a Hindustan Raja who would be hoodwinked by this [European deception]. Before anything else, I would like to confront their soldiers.” Theophilus Waldemayer, the Swiss traveler, testifies the following interesting account: “one day when I was traveling with the king in the rural area, we met a woman who was semi-hungry and whose cloth was falling apart. The king stepped down from his mule, took off his own Shama (coat) and gave it to her. He also wanted to give her money, but upon realizing that he had no money he asked me whether I could lend him some money, and I said ‘yes Janhoy, I have five dollars and take it.’ He took the money and gave it to the woman. The woman, cognizant that she could buy many sheep with the money was overwhelmed with joy and began stomping and dancing. Later on, the emperor gave me 100 Birr in return.” Unfortunately, Tewodros the great unifier and visionary laid dead after 13 years in power (1855-1868) before his dream of founding a strong and united Ethiopia beyond what he already presided over was accomplished. Nevertheless, he set forth the reunification of Ethiopia and laid the cornerstone of its modernization. Long after Tewodros is gone, however, he remained a legend and popular hero among Ethiopian youth in particular and patriotic Ethiopians in general. Henry Blanc, who met Tewodros in person, appreciates the physical attribute and overall condition of the Emperor: “In 1866 when I first saw him he was about 48 years old. His complexion was darker compared to the majority of his fellow Ethiopians. His nose is aquiline; his mouth is broad, but his lips are very small; his physique was medium but well built. No one was compared to him in his ability of mounted horse spear hurling; even the strongest ones, if they follow the footsteps of Tewodros, they get tired. His eyes are slightly bulging in, smooth and flickering; when he is in a good mood, people were forced to like them, but when he is angry those eyes suddenly become blood-stained and seem to erupt fire. When the king is angry, his overall condition is frightening; his black face turns ashy; his tight soft lips resemble to hold some white lining; his hair stands straight up. His overall behavior is a good example of a loose and dangerous person. Nevertheless, despite his moody personality, no one was comparable to him in his canny ability of communication and reconciling differences. Even after I met him few days before his death, he still acquired a king’s grace and charisma; his friendly spirit and personality are a result of fine upbringing that are shown in other magnanimous persons. His smile was very attractive. His words were very sweet and full of grace. One who encounters Tewodros could not help but appreciate his humility, love and grace, and would have difficulties in viewing him as a pretender hiding his bad behavior.” Consul Plowden’s testimony is also quite telling, “…his intellectual and physical strength does not show any fatigue. His physical and spiritual courage is limitless. He does not get tired of working. Day and night, he gets little rest. His thoughts and his spoken explanation are crystal clear and easy to understand. Hesitation is unknown in his own person.” Except my little edition the contents of this note is taken from the article written by Dr. Ghelawdewos Araia.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 17:23:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015