Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Children of Virtue and Vengeance

by

Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Virtue and Vengeance: Chapter Forty-Two Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Ojore and another soldier bandage Inan’s side and carry him on a stretcher. Inan squeezes his bronze coin. Nehanda greets Inan outside and reprimands Ojore, but Inan says that Ojore saved his life. Nehanda says they have to destroy Chândomblé. Inan refuses and says that the temple contains Orïsha’s history, but Nehanda points to the bodies and says that Inan doesn’t serve the maji. Inan knows Nehanda is right and gives the order to destroy the temple. Nehanda pulls ashê from her tîtáns and blows up Chândomblé. Inan knows he has to end the war, as everything is out of control.
Nehanda’s statement that Inan doesn’t serve the maji shows clearly what she’d like Orïsha to look like: kosidán and tîtáns only. It also reflects her view that maji are subhuman. This is why she has no qualms about destroying Chândomblé, as in her mind, there’s no reason to preserve something that’s beloved by individuals who don’t elicit any compassion from her. Further, doing this cuts the Iyika off from their history, weakening them.
Themes
Power and Systems of Oppression Theme Icon
Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Tradition and History Theme Icon
Quotes