Lore and Legends About the History of Coffee
Before we come to the actual history of this interesting plant, we first want
to look at some myths surrounding it. This is not to say that there is no truth
in these stories.
There are many legends concerning the history of this coffee.
Probably the most well-known story about the discovery of coffee is the one
about some herdsmen in Ethiopia.
They noticed that some of their goats were lethargic, while others of the herd
bounded around and were relatively active. The herdsmen were surprised and
baffled. In search of an explanation, they went to a nearby monastery to ask
the monks for help. The monks accompanied the herdsmen to their herd and looked
at the goats. They observed that the active goats were eating red, cherry-like
berries from the nearby bushes.
Intrigued by these berries, which they had
never seen before, the monks and herdsman tasted them themselves. However,
they were disappointed in the bitter taste, having assumed the berries to be
tasty. They threw the unsavory food thoughtlessly in the fire. To their amazement
a wonderful smell came from the burning berries. Curious, the monks prepared
an infusion from the roasted fruits. Amazed by the energizing properties of
the drink, they praised the coffee as a gift of the gods; as the most useful
effect was to keep them awake as they said their nightly prayers.
Another legend tells of the fate of the young Omar. Omar had saved the city
Mocha from the plague with his strong beliefs and much prayer. However, when
he asked for the hand of the king’s daughter, he was denied, dishonored
and was banished to the desert for his frivolous plea. In the desert, a ghostly
apparition appeared to him one night. The apparition led him to an oasis and
told him to pluck the berries from a bush. He was told to take the seeds from
the berries, roast them, and then to soak them in water. He did so, and the
next morning found that the water had changed color. The black liquid shimmered
in the sunlight. Disappointed and angry the young man decided to throw the
water away. However, because of the hot sun and horrible heat, he was very
thirsty. Close to collapse, he drank the liquid. Soon he could think clearly
again and his soul was revived. Omar went back to Mocha to tell the people
of this wonderful drink and to let them taste it. Omar was honored by the king,
but no one knows whether or not he won the hand of the king’s daughter.
Of course, there are countless other stories, myths and legends about this
wonderful plant. However, they are much too long to tell here. The two legends
above are the most commonly told, and can be found in books and the internet.
Foward to The First Historical Use of Coffee
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