The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast: A Tale of Cunning And Humility From 19th Century Nigeria

Ah, Nigerian folklore! It’s a vibrant tapestry woven with tales of tricksters, talking animals, and profound life lessons. Today, we delve into one such gem – “The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast.” This story, passed down through generations, offers a delightful blend of wit and wisdom, reminding us that even the smallest creature can triumph through cleverness and humility.

The Plot Thickens: A Slow but Steady Journey

“The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast” revolves around – you guessed it! – a tortoise. Now, tortoises are known for their slow pace, which often makes them the butt of jokes. But in this tale, our protagonist tortoise turns his perceived weakness into an unexpected strength.

The story begins with news spreading throughout the animal kingdom about a grand feast hosted by the powerful Bird King. Everyone is eager to attend, except for our humble tortoise, who knows he can never outrun the other animals to reach the feast on time. But Tortoise isn’t one to give up easily. He hatches a cunning plan:

• Step 1: He approaches his friend, the crafty Monkey, and convinces him to carry him to the feast on his back.
• Step 2: Monkey agrees, but only if Tortoise promises to share a portion of the delicious food with him.
• Step 3: Tortoise readily agrees, knowing that Monkey’s speed will get him to the feast before anyone else.

With Monkey as his steed, Tortoise embarks on his journey, arriving at the Bird King’s palace long before the other animals. He then cleverly hides in a corner, savoring the feast and secretly stashing away morsels of food for later.

The Tortoise’s Triumph: A Feast For The Senses

As the other animals arrive – panting, sweating, and famished – they are shocked to see Tortoise already enjoying the banquet. Bird King, amused by Tortoise’s cleverness, offers him a seat at his table.

Tortoise, filled with satisfaction and pride, proceeds to eat until he can barely move. He even boasts about how easily he arrived at the feast, leaving the other animals in envy. But remember that promise he made to Monkey?

| Animal | Arrival Time | Mood |—|—| | Tortoise (on Monkey’s Back) | Early | Triumphant | Leopard | Midday | Frustrated | Elephant | Late Afternoon | Exhausted

Consequences and Lessons Learned: A Humorous Twist of Fate

Monkey, arriving late but still hungry, reminds Tortoise of their agreement. Tortoise, forgetting his promise in the euphoria of feasting, refuses to share a single bite! Monkey is furious and exposes Tortoise’s deceit before the entire court.

The Bird King, witnessing Tortoise’s greed, banishes him from the feast. Tortoise learns a harsh lesson that day – true success lies not just in cunning but also in keeping promises and treating others with respect.

Exploring The Story’s Deeper Meaning: Beyond the Feast

“The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast” isn’t simply an amusing tale; it delves into universal themes of ambition, friendship, and integrity.

• The Importance of Humility: Tortoise initially succeeds due to his cleverness but ultimately fails because he becomes arrogant and forgets his promise to Monkey. The story emphasizes that humility and respect for others are essential for lasting success.
• Friendship and Trust: Tortoise’s manipulation of Monkey highlights the dangers of taking advantage of trust. True friendship thrives on mutual respect and honesty, not deceit.

“The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast,” like many Nigerian folktales, uses animal characters to teach valuable life lessons in a captivating and memorable way. It reminds us that while cunning can be helpful, it’s ultimately integrity, kindness, and humility that lead to true happiness. So, next time you encounter a seemingly slow-moving Tortoise, remember there might be more to him than meets the eye!