Mami Wata

In the season when the river ran high, Kojo heard singing near a still pool.
A dazzling woman rose from the water and offered him favor—trade that would flourish—if he followed three rules: do not boast, do not harm others with your luck, and do not invite mockery of the river.
Kojo prospered, helped his family, and earned the village’s attention. Praise became a trap.
One evening he boasted and spoke of the spirit. The next time the river called his name, he returned with offerings and confessed.
The bead she gave him dulled. “Favor is a path,” she warned. Kojo chose humility and warned others away.
His luck returned to the river like a tide—but the village learned to speak of the water with respect.