Detailed Summary of Arrow of God by Chinua
Achebe
Title: Arrow of God
Author: Chinua Achebe
Published: 1964
Setting:
The novel is set in colonial Nigeria, specifically in southeastern Igbo land. It centers around two main
communities: Umuaro (a union of six villages) and Okperi (a neighboring village). The story unfolds during the
early period of British colonial rule.
Overview:
Arrow of God is the story of Ezeulu, the Chief Priest of Ulu, the god of Umuaro, a powerful and proud man who
finds himself torn between his spiritual obligations, colonial interference, and internal village politics. Through
Ezeulu’s journey, Achebe explores the effects of colonialism, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the
downfall of a man whose spiritual authority becomes his undoing.
PART 1: The Power and Position of Ezeulu
Ezeulu is the revered Chief Priest of Ulu. His role includes watching for the new moon and determining the sacred
calendar, especially the timing for festivals like the New Yam Festival. His power is spiritual but significant—his
word dictates when planting and harvesting occur.
Despite his high position, Ezeulu is proud and rigid. He sees himself not just as a man, but as the arrow in the bow
of Ulu, a servant of the deity who cannot be questioned. His belief in his righteousness blinds him to the growing
resentment around him.
PART 2: Conflict Between Villages – Umuaro vs Okperi
A land dispute arises between Umuaro and Okperi. The people of Umuaro, encouraged by powerful elders like
Nwaka, want to go to war. Ezeulu, however, recalls his father's tale that the land originally belonged to Okperi. He
opposes the war, which puts him at odds with his people.
Despite his warnings, the war happens. A young man, Akukalia, is sent as an emissary to Okperi. During a quarrel,
he desecrates a shrine and is killed. This act inflames tensions, and war seems inevitable. The British colonial
officer, Captain Winterbottom, intervenes, stops the war, and punishes Umuaro by destroying their weapons and
ruling in favor of Okperi.
Ezeulu, having supported the British with his testimony, becomes further alienated from his people, who see his
action as betrayal.
PART 3: The Colonial Disruption
Captain Winterbottom, a British officer, sees Ezeulu as a potential ally and symbol of native authority. He offers
Ezeulu the role of a Warrant Chief under indirect colonial rule.
Ezeulu refuses the position, believing it is not his place as a spiritual leader to become involved in politics. In
retaliation, he is imprisoned. This imprisonment disrupts the traditional counting of moons and causes delays in
the New Yam Festival.
PART 4: Crisis in Umuaro
After his release, Ezeulu resumes his duties but insists that, due to the missed moons during his imprisonment, he
cannot declare the time for yam harvest until the right count is completed.
The villagers beg him to make an exception to avoid famine, but Ezeulu refuses. His strict adherence to religious
tradition pushes his people toward desperation. They begin turning to Christianity, where they are told they can
harvest without fear of divine punishment.
The new missionary, Mr. Goodcountry, uses the situation to gain converts. As more people abandon the god Ulu
and the yam harvest begins under Christian guidance, Ezeulu stands isolated.
PART 5: The Fall of Ezeulu
The climax comes with the sudden and mysterious death of Ezeulu's son, Obika, a strong and promising young
man. He dies after performing a ritual run, and the villagers interpret it as a sign of Ulu’s anger—or judgment
against Ezeulu himself.
With his son gone, his people converted, and his god seemingly silent or defeated, Ezeulu descends into madness.
His refusal to bend, though noble, ultimately leads to his ruin. His belief that he was the “arrow of god” turns
tragic, as even Ulu seems to have abandoned him.
CONCLUSION:
In Arrow of God, Achebe presents the tragic downfall of a man trapped between two worlds—his duty to tradition
and the reality of a changing world. Ezeulu’s fall is not just personal but symbolic of the wider collapse of
indigenous authority under colonial pressure. Despite his devotion, he ends up alone, defeated, and abandoned—
by his people, by his god, and by history.
MAJOR CHARACTERS:
- Ezeulu – Chief Priest of Ulu, powerful but inflexible.
- Nwaka – Wealthy, ambitious elder and Ezeulu's main rival.
- Oduche – Ezeulu’s son who is sent to a missionary school.
- Obika – Ezeulu’s strong, beloved son who dies mysteriously.
- Captain Winterbottom – British colonial officer.
- Mr. Goodcountry – Christian missionary expanding influence.
- Ezidemili – Priest of the python deity and Ezeulu’s religious rival.
THEMES:
1. Tradition vs. Change: The old Igbo religious and cultural systems are tested by colonial forces and Christianity.
2. Power and Pride: Ezeulu’s refusal to compromise leads to his downfall.
3. Colonialism: The British administration reshapes native leadership and society.
4. Religion and Identity: Clash between traditional gods and Christianity.
5. Community vs. Individual: Ezeulu’s stubbornness conflicts with the will of the people.
SUMMARY BY DAMIAN C. OSAFILE
