Chapter IV, The Sacrifice of Morimi. Morimi is a key heroine in Ife mythology. She was a person of high stature, and by marrying Obalufon she helped to unite warring factions in the kingdom, resulting in a period of peace, prosperity and artistic achievement under Obalufon's rule. Morimi was unable to give Obalufon a son like his other wives - she had only her daughter Adetoun. She consults with Ifa, the messenger of the Gods, who uses divination with the Okpelle (a divination charm constructed of bark) to determine what she must do to bear a son. The sacrifice of Adetoun is required, causing Morimi to flee in terror of the deed which love commands and love condemns. She seeks a second divination and is told the same thing. In the end Edi, the smooth tongued perverter, convinces her it is required for the good of the nation and Obalufon. The deed is done.
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