The Tale of Orúkọ and Ìwà ("The Name and Character" — a story about identity and inner worth)

Long ago, in a quiet village in Yorùbáland… Two siblings were born— Orúkọ (Name) and Ìwà (Character). Their father was a respected elder who believed in deep wisdom. As the children grew, both were given equal love and care, but they took very different paths in life. Orúkọ loved praise. He loved hearing his name chanted during festivals and ceremonies. He spent his time crafting a powerful image—dressing well, associating with influential people, and doing things just to make his name known far and wide. Ìwà, on the other hand, was quiet. He focused on doing good, helping elders, being honest, and working hard. He didn’t seek praise or recognition. One day, the king of the land grew very ill.

The priests declared that only someone with true inner virtue could heal the king. Many famous people came, including Orúkọ, whose name was known even in distant villages. But nothing worked. Then, the villagers remembered Ìwà—the one with good character. They brought him to the palace. When Ìwà entered the king’s chamber, the king sat up. When Ìwà spoke gently and humbly, the king smiled. As Ìwà served him herbal medicine with respect and pure intentions, the king was healed. The king asked, “Who are you?” He replied, “Ìwà ni mi — I am Character.” The king then declared: “Orúkọ le ni l'aye, ṣùgbọ́n Ìwà l'ẹ̀mí ènìyàn.” ("You may have a name in this world, but it is character that is the soul of a person.") From that day on, the people understood: A great name without good character is like a drum with no sound.

Moral: In Yorùbá culture, Ìwà (good character) is held above even wealth or fame. The story reminds us that who we truly are on the inside carries more power than the image we try to project.