Ethiopian Folktales

Narrated by Worku Mersha

There was somebody living in a small village called Mota.

He used to say without reason, “I will be king one day! I will be king one day!” time and again.

So he was brought to the Emperor’s court.

His Majesty said, “Why have you brought this man here?”

They replied, “Because he always says he’s going to be a king, without having any royal blood.”

The Emperor replied, “Did he collect a crowd and tell them this? Did he agitate?”

“No,” they said.

“Then release him,” said Haile Selassie. “No one can prevent wishes.”