The novel centres around the tradition of the Idien kingdom. In it, a healthy male offspring is dear and necessary for a peaceful and complete transition from life here on earth to eternity. So every Idien male strived to achieve this in his lifetime. Nze Nzelem, became king in this period. Due to circumstances surrounding his birth, he was more than eager to live as the customs of the kingdom required of him. He dutifully obeyed all the customs of the kingdom until it was time for him to get married. The gods of Idi intervenes in his quest to get married and orders him to marry the priestess, Amalueze; of which he decided to do so only when the priestess birth a son for him. Nzelem chickened out last minute by deciding not to ejaculate. But having been forewarned that Nzelem’s may do that Amalueze was prepared, as she seduced him back into her bed to get what she wanted. Conflicted by the action of Amalueze, Nzelem decided that he would not be a part of the child selection which takes place in the forest of babies. His absence in the forest made it very hostile for Amalueze to successfully pick a son as she was given a limited time. Thus she ended up picking a baby in a hurry only to realize it was a girl.