Burkina Faso, Ghana
Yennenga was a legendary princess who is considered the mother of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. She was a famous warrior, a strong character and an independent mind. From age 14, this beloved princess fought in battle for her father against the neighbouring Malinkés. When her father refused to choose a husband for her or allow her to marry, she decided to leave the kingdom, with her horse. She met a young hunter, Rialé with whom she had a child called Ouedraogo. Ouedraogo is a famous last name in Burkina Faso and means “male horse”, in honor to the horse that led the princess to Rialé. Yennenga or her son Ouedraogo are considered the founder of the Mossi Kingdoms.