Jean-Félix Ayenouet, one of the last great Mpongwe storytellers of Gabon, in the outskirts of Libreville, told us the story of Ogoula and Ilombè. This tale stages some of the « usual characters » of the Mpongwe oral tradition: Ogoula, Ilombè, Maséri, Ranyambyè, Esérèngila…

Linguist Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda, who made this film possible, also provided us with a few keys to understand who these characters are. You may find this introduction here.

In the two first episodes, Ogoula, a poor young man, son of Maséri, had gone hunting a little further than usual. Near the river, he met Ilombè, daughter of the cruel and bloodthirsty king Ranyambyè, and fell in love with her. Ilombè brought him back to her village where he remained hidden for a while, but as the threat of being discovered grew closer, he finally decided to leave.

Later turned into a great king of the plain, he returns to the village and Ranyambyè gives him his daughter. But will the plot remain unveiled?

« Osengè limbini… »

Linguist: Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda
Image & sound: Muriel Lutz
Editing: Caroline Laurent