Art Credit: Mitchel Ndaka with background assistance by Zikki Munyao
Long ago, there was a wise and benevolent king who loved nature. He was known for his deep connection with the environment and his kingdom flourished under his rule. This king had a special bond with trees, believing them to be the guardians of the earth. He spent much time in the forests, often meditating under a particular ancient tree, which he considered his confidant and advisor.
As the king grew older, he wished to leave a lasting legacy that would remind his people of the importance of living in harmony with nature. He sought the help of Ndaka, a renowned artist and visionary in his kingdom, known for his unique ability to capture the essence of nature in his art.
Ndaka, inspired by the king's love for trees, created a special reflective paint using natural ingredients. He carefully applied this paint to the king's favorite tree. The paint was invisible by day but would reflect the king's image in the shadows at night, especially when the moon was full.
The king was deeply moved by this tribute and decreed that the tree be protected and revered as a symbol of unity between humanity and nature. He passed away not long after, and his image appearing on the tree became a revered phenomenon. People from all over the kingdom would come to see the king's shadow on the tree, reminding them of his wisdom and his teachings about living in harmony with the environment.
Ndaka's creation was not just a tribute to the king but also an enduring reminder of the connection between humans and the natural world. His innovative use of reflective natural paint and his deep understanding of the king's love for nature made this miraculous reflection possible. The image of the king on the tree, especially visible in the dark, became a symbol of hope, wisdom, and the eternal bond between humans and the earth.