The legend of Makeda.

One well-known traditional folk legend cherished among the Amhara people of Ethiopia is the story of The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, known in Ethiopia as the legend of Makeda.

The Legend of Makeda

"Long ago, there lived a wise and powerful queen named Makeda, ruler of a prosperous kingdom in the Ethiopian highlands. She was renowned not only for her beauty but for her intelligence and curiosity. One day, she heard stories about the great wisdom of King Solomon of Israel. Determined to test whether the stories were true, Makeda journeyed across deserts and seas with a grand caravan filled with gold, spices, and precious gifts.

When she arrived, she asked Solomon difficult riddles and questions about life, justice, and leadership. Solomon answered them all with remarkable wisdom. Impressed by his knowledge and character, Makeda stayed for some time to learn from him. According to Ethiopian tradition, their union resulted in the birth of a son, Menelik I, who later returned to Ethiopia and became the first emperor of a Solomonic dynasty that, according to legend, ruled for centuries"

This story is deeply significant in Amharic culture because it connects Ethiopian identity to ancient biblical history and royal lineage. It symbolizes wisdom, diplomacy, strength, and divine destiny. The legend is preserved in a sacred Ethiopian text called the Kebra Nagast (“The Glory of Kings”), which remains an important historical and spiritual work in Ethiopian tradition.

Beyond its royal symbolism, the tale teaches values such as:

• The importance of wisdom over power

• The pursuit of knowledge

• Cultural pride and heritage

• The strength of leadership guided by justice

Among Amharic families, this legend is often told to children to inspire confidence, intelligence, and respect for their history.