Background
He was the son of Negus Sahle Selassie of Shewa and half-brother to Negus Haile Melekot, and the uncle of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia.
Shewan leaders Shewan prisoners
He was the son of Negus Sahle Selassie of Shewa and half-brother to Negus Haile Melekot, and the uncle of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia.
Although technically prisoners, the two Shewan princes enjoyed the Emperor"s affection and favor, and were greatly honored and respected at his court. Darge was especially admired for his military skills. Darge was part of the Shewan party that helped Menelik escape from Magdala in order to return to Shewa and reclaim his throne, but he himself remained behind.
Darge was not punished by Tewodros for helping Menelik escape, and this was attributed to the deep affection Tewodros II had for Darge.
He was released from captivity in 1868 by the British. The conquest was infamous for its slaughter of the Arsi Oromo who lived there, leading Baxter to describe him as "the Butcher Cumberland of the Arussi Highlands.. whose name is still reviled there."
Darge became Menelik"s senior advisor, always advising him to be prudent and patient in his dealings with the powers that be.
When Tekle Giyorgis II was deposed by Emperor Yohannes IV, again it was Darge who counseled Menelik to be patient and submit. As a result, Darge was universally respected by all the various feudal princelings and claimants in Ethiopia, and was held in very high regard by Emperor Yohannes in particular.
He often acted as regent in the absence of Emperor Menelik.
Ras Darge died a few years after that battle.