Princess Yennenga

Princess Yennenga was the only daughter and heir to the throne of the Dagomba empire in present day Northern Ghana. She was a fearless warrior, the most pretty and apple of her father’s eye.

Princess Yennenga had everything but one - a lover. She desired a husband and approached her father who refused her. Then she planted a field of wheat that her father boasted of after which she let it rot. Her father questioned what she did and she explained that just like the wheat, her father was leaving her to rot by not allowing marriage.

Annoyed and his pride wounded, Princess Yennenga’ father locked her up. After a while, one of the king’ horsemen helped her escape dressed as a man. They encountered rival tribes and her helper was killed defending her. 

Princess Yennenga rode through the forest on her stallion. She met Riale - an elephant hunter who she fell in love with. They married and gave birth to a son; Ouedraogo, who is believed to be the ancestor of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso.

Today, Princess Yennenga’ legacy is celebrated in Burkina Faso. Her son’ name is a famous surname among Burkinabès.

Burkinabè refers to a Burkina Faso national. Burkina Faso translates to land of the upright people. So, a Burkinabe means an honest man or woman.

Notes;

1.https://youtube.com/channel/UC12lU5ymIvSpgl8KntDQUQA - Princess Yennenga by Home Team History.

2. Google photos.

3. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yennenga