A long time ago in the animal kingdom, the Hawk was flying solo far up in the sky. He was moody, sad and restless. His parents have been disturbing him about marriage. He was about to eat in the morning when the same issue came up again with his mother.
”Get a wife to marry and stop eating alone. We are tired of your single life and do not care if it is a rat you bring home as wife.” His mother said. He was so angry and flew out without eating the food that same morning.
The Hen is facing the same problem at home. Her parents called her into their room that very morning.
”My daughter, you know we are very poor and had to get loan for your brother’s wedding. Our expectation is that you get married too so we can use your dowry to pay off the loan.” Her father explained to her.
”Father, it is not my fault I have no suitor.”
”Stop right there my daughter. It is your fault because you are always inside cooking or doing chores. Go out like your mates and leave this house sometimes.” Her father cut in.
She reluctantly left the house to the nearby heap to sit. It was exactly the right place, the Hawk sighted her from above. He was blown away with her figure and beautiful feathers. He hovered around the heap to gain courage before descending to talk to her.
It was the most awkward meeting for both of them, they were new to this. The Hawk was handsome and eloquent, the Hen was beautiful and eloquent too. The conversation went well and the Hawk promised to be back the next day. They both went home happily.
The visits continued and eventually, the Hawk asked her to be his girlfriend. After some weeks, she gave in. it was a discrete relationship as they were scared what the other animals would say about their odd relationship. A month later, the Hawk visited his girlfriend. He carried her on his back and flew them to a mountain where he proposed marriage to her. She agreed and the next thing was the introduction of both families. The same day, Hawk flew her fiancée home. His parents accepted her wholeheartedly. They are birds and didn’t see anything wrong. She was treated like a family member.
When Hen got home that night, her parents called her to their room. They narrated how they were embarrassed that evening because of the loan. She smiled as her father spoke which got them worried. As soon as she saw their reactions, she spoke
”Father! Mother! I have found a husband.” They were happy and rushed to hug her.
”He is a bird like us but bigger and stronger. I just left his house to dine with his parents. They will be here tomorrow to see you.” She got lost in the conversation till her mother asked what specie of bird was her fiancé from.
”He is a Hawk dear Mother. We are so in love and can’t wait to get married.” She replied. Her parents forced a smile and she left. Her mother wailed.
”Darling, we have pushed her into doom. I have not heard of a Lion marrying a Cat or a Wolf marrying a Dog. How will people feel about our daughter and a Hawk?” Her mother cried over her husband’s shoulder.
”Stop crying, we have to accept our destiny this way. Let us focus on paying the loan. You heard her, she is in love and that is what matter right now.” He replied her wife. He comforted her afterwards.
The next day went on well and both families agreed on a wedding by the end of the week. The news broke out and all animals far and wide promised to be at the wedding. The traditional rites was in the morning of the wedding, the Hawk’s family brought the agreed bride price as expensive as it was. Everywhere was full of different animals who came to witness the first inter-specie wedding. This was far more than the budget of the Hen’s family, they had to cut into the bride price to get more food for the guests.
The chief Cock came in late for the event, he was just there to collect his money as he was promised. He came with his only son, a very handsome Cock. As soon as the bride’s father sighted him, he ran towards him. He gave him the remaining balance from the bride price. It was not up to the loan he received. The chief Cock was so angry and wanted to cause a scene then he was stopped by his son. His eyes were fixed on the bride – she was so beautiful for her wedding and caught his attention.
”My son just told me something interesting now. I will forgive you the remaining debt if and only if you give out your daughter to my son. You have a week to do this or I will deal with you.” The chief Cock threatened as he left with his son.
The wedding went on well and according to tradition, the Hawk had to stay with his bride’s family for 3 days before leaving. The Hen’s parents aligned with the chief Cock’s son to come up with a plan to get the Hen. On the third day when the Hawk was ready to take off with his new wife, the cock came around and sang beautiful songs. The Hen was amazed and got distracted.
That was how the cock snatched the Hen from Hawk. For few days, he couldn’t go home. He knew how mad his mother would be. He cried bitterly over the loss of his bride. When he was through mourning, he flew home and narrated the turn of event to his family. They were so angry and flew to the Hen’s home.
It was a bitter argument, the Hen’s family insisted it was the decision of their daughter. The Hawk’s family insisted they must pay back their bride price which they couldn’t so they took the matter to the king of the animal kingdom; King Lion.
He was very mad with the Hen’s family and mandated from that day onward, no more inter-specie marriage in the kingdom and for the Hen’s family refusal to pay back the bride price. He ordered the Hawks to continue to hover around and whenever they see chickens, they should carry them as payment for the bride price. From that day till now, Hawks have been carrying chickens according to the order of the king.
