The role of the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves within the Umuofian tribe is the most unquestionably powerful force within the region. She is the ultimate authority in the clan, and her decisions are final. The Oracle serves as a mediator between the tribe and their gods; thus, her will and proclamations are not to be debated. Indeed, she is so powerful that the clan will not go to war without her blessing:
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The role of the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves within the Umuofian tribe is the most unquestionably powerful force within the region. She is the ultimate authority in the clan, and her decisions are final. The Oracle serves as a mediator between the tribe and their gods; thus, her will and proclamations are not to be debated. Indeed, she is so powerful that the clan will not go to war without her blessing:
“And in fairness to Umuofia it should be recorded that it never went to war unless its case was clear and just and was accepted as such by its Oracle--the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves. And there were indeed occasions when the Oracle had forbidden Umuofia to wage a war. If the clan had disobeyed the Oracle they would surely have been beaten, because their dreaded agadi-nwayi would never fight what the Ibo call a fight of blame” (12).
Another striking instance that shows her power and influence among the members of the tribe is when she decrees that the young captive Ikemefuna must die. Ezeudu warns Okonkwo not to take part in the slaying of Ikemefuna, but does not question the Oracle’s decision:
“Yes, Umuofia has decided to kill him. The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves has pronounced it. They will take him outside Umuofia as is the custom, and kill him there. But I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you his father” (57).
These are just two happenings that illustrate the Oracle’s absolute power within the Umuofian community.
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