[Ezeulu] was merely a watchman. His power was no more than the power of a child over a goat that was said to be his. As long as the goat was alive it could be his; he would find it food and take care of it. But the day it was slaughtered he would know soon enough who the real owner was … the Chief Priest of Ulu was more than that, must be more than that.”
-- Narration   (One)

Importance: This quote functions on several levels: as an example of how ideas are developed through the metaphorical use of saying or imagery; as an evocation of how, for the characters and the narrative, there is a strong connection to nature and its meaning; and as an introduction to the essential perspective, and the essential perspective, of central character and protagonist Ezeulu as he begins a book long struggle with faith and power.

‘… I have...
-- Nwaka  (Two)