Read the passage from “The Beginnings of the Maasai.”

Neighboring hunters from the Kamba were jealous of Neiterkob’s special relationship with Enkai and the gift of our cattle. Out of vengeance, they hewed the fig tree into little pieces. It was heartbreaking to lose this strong bond with the sky god, but as long as we still have our cattle, we can still feel the joy of being connected to Enkai.

Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains. It’s not a bad life, especially when Enkai is the Black God, providing for us. And when the cattle or other children cause problems, I just warn them that they never know when I might suddenly develop my godly powers.