Chielo the Priestess

Chielo is the priestess of Agbala. Agbala is the Oracle of the hills and the caves. Normally, Chielo is a widow with 2 children. She is ordinary and knows Okonkwo's wife, Ekwefi. They are friendly toward one another and talk about Enzinma. Although Chielo is a good person, she becomes diferent when she is prophesying. "Anyone seeing Chielo in ordinary life would hardly believe she was the same person who prophesied when the spirit of Agbala was upon her (Achebe,49)." Chielo would become possessed by her spirit and would prophesize. One night, Chielo comes to Okonkwo's compound for Enzinma. She said Agbala wanted to see Enzinma. She took Enzinma on her back and carried her a long way through the forest to the shrine of Agbala. Enzinma and Chielo were at the shrine until dawn. Chielo the priestess had a strong influence over the people of the village. It is also evident that the people of the clan strongly believe in Gods and spirits. Okonkwo and Ekwefi allowed Chielo to take Enzinma into the woods in the middle of the night. They would not disrespect the priestess, the messenger of Agbala out of respect and fear. "Beware, woman, lest he strike you in his anger. Bring me your daughter (Achebe, 101)."Even though Enzinma was scared, her parents let her be taken. It shows the strong influence of spirits in the culture of Okonkwo. Chielo strongly beileve in her role as the priestess of Agbala and followed the instrutions that the spirit gave her.