The Woman King

In the heart of the African Kingdom of Dahomey, a realm of unyielding strength and fierce valour lies hidden. Nestled between the European colonisers and the Oyo Empire, Dahomey's survival is threatened constantly by its neighbours and the increasingly encroaching presence of European imperialism. Within this fragile world, a formidable force of warriors has always stood vigilant: the Agojie. Led by the extraordinary General Nanisca, a seasoned fighter who has earned her place among the most revered warriors, the Agojie embodies the very essence of Dahomey's values and traditions. In a world where power is a direct result of proven prowess and meritocracy is deeply embedded, the Agojie stands apart as an elite fighting force comprised solely of women. With expertise honed from years of gruelling battles and grueling training, the Agojie defend not just their kingdom but its culture and heritage as well. Following the outbreak of the Scramble for Africa, as European empires vie for the control of the continent, General Nanisca is faced with the unenviable task of safeguarding her kingdom and its warriors against an increasingly powerful foe. Beneath the orders of the ruler, King Ghezo, she diligently toils to prepare the next generation of recruits for a battle they are destined to face in the near future. This pivotal story within The Woman King unfolds as General Nanisca seeks to teach her younger, tenderly raw recruits - who symbolise the beginning of a long line of warriors in their family - the ancient customs, the precise tactics and strategic battle maneuvers crucial to effective leadership and survival in Dahomey society. Amid this test of character and fortitude, she must, in the most delicate manner possible, convey her extensive combat experience to the youthful warriors who look up to them as peers, mothers, and friends. As General Nanisca passes her valuable expertise upon to this eager but fragile cohort of warriors, these seemingly disparate views find common ground and purpose. This diverse tribe - inspired, tested and rejuvenated by their unwavering unity - becomes strong supporters of the King, their unbreakable bonds reinforcing their very aim of battling colonial powers intent on stripping the Dahomey of its traditional independence. A formidable adversary quickly emerges, embodied in the figure of the Royal Danish Army's young warrior, General Odumegwu - now better known to the world as General Lisher - an aspiring career military commander driven, with his European roots and battle strategies honed in Denmark. A warrior nurtured, who wears a polished European air around him, General Odumegwu holds a peculiar disdain for his highly female colleagues. This animosity not only tests the delicate alliances but fuels rising tensions between Dahomey and its ambitious Danish conqueror. Amid this escalating menace, General Nanisca rises above internal doubt and wistfulness; on this solitary journey as war draws near, Nanisca leads the Agojie relentlessly into a final confrontation with General Odumegwu's Danish warriors. The culmination lies before Dahomey in the scorching desert where their seemingly lost battle becomes an unstoppable crusade for freedom. The Dahomey unit's unshakeable spirit meets its full match in their adversaries, when they set a brave stamp of determination, of defiance, in battles past.