“The Girl Who Could Not Smile: A Rwandan Tale of Divine Justice”

A young girl is denied the chance to join her friends in a coming-of-age ritual by her cruel stepmother. But when she ventures out alone in darkness to seek what was denied her, she encounters something far greater than she imagined—Imana himself, the supreme god of Rwanda, who transforms her completely and gives her beauty, fine clothing, and perfect teeth. There’s only one condition: she must never smile.

This haunting folktale follows the girl through marriage and motherhood as she keeps her sacred vow, even as a jealous grandmother manipulates her children in an attempt to break it—with tragic consequences. It’s a story about obedience to divine will, the cruelty of envy, and the ultimate triumph of faithfulness over spite.

Featuring encounters with hyenas and lions, miraculous resurrections, and divine intervention that burns as bright as lightning, this tale showcases Imana not just as a distant creator but as a protective father-figure who rewards virtue and punishes wickedness. A powerful story about the cost of keeping promises and the vindication that comes to those who trust in higher powers, even through unbearable grief.

https://mythopia.io/story/1270/the-maiden-imana-and-the-ban-on-smiles-a-ruanda-folktale-of-mercy-and-justice