Queen Iden

The legendary queen of Oba Ewuakpe of Benin, who offered herself as a human sacrifice to lift the curse afflicting the kingdom. The Oba had been compelled to perform a ritual requiring the life of one he loved, and Iden volunteered. Her sacrifice is remembered as the act that restored Benin's prosperity, and a shrine in Benin City still honours her as the model of selfless devotion to the Oba and the people.