This folktale prompt brought back a lot of memories; I was reminded of all those interesting stories my mom used to tell us. She would demonstrate and even sing for those that have songs.
Get your popcorn ready as you read my story 馃槣
Story story
A very long time ago, when both animals and humans understood each other and lived in harmony. The king called for all his subjects in his palace and told them what the chief priest told him about the feminine: for it to come to an end, they would have to get the tusks of an elephant, and the king made a declaration that whoever gets to bring the tusks of an elephant, he would be gifted half of the kingdom. But no one stepped forward to own up to the tasks, not even the bravest warriors of the kingdom, except for the tortoise. Everyone in the room was surprised, including the king.
"Long live the king," the tortoise said. I know everyone is surprised that I stepped out because of my small stature, but I will make a promise to the king that I will bring not only the tusks but also the elephant itself, but I have conditions, though.
"What is it?" the king asked. The tortoise replied that upon my arrival I want a very big hole to be dug and the top to be covered with a mat, and secondly, I want the whole village to start dancing and playing drums when they sight me and the elephant.
The king agreed to his conditions, and the tortoise set out on his journey.
As soon as the tortoise sighted the elephant, he said in a loud and exciting voice, My friend the elephant, what are you still doing here while the whole village awaits your arrival?
The elephant replied, "For what?"
"Hmmm," the tortoise said, "everyone has finally seen your worth and has acknowledged you as the king of the animals instead of the lion, so everyone awaits you."
The elephant immediately became very happy and excited because he has always thought of himself as the king of animals since he is big in size, and he was willing and ready to follow the tortoise to the village.
Just then a bird flew around them and, knowing of the tortoise's cunning scheme, sat on a tree and started singing.
Oh dearest elephant, you were told to come for your coronation, but by this time tomorrow your blood will flow, and flies will swarm around you.
Upon hearing the song, the elephant stopped and looked at the tortoise and asked him if he knew what the bird was singing about.
But the tortoise pretended not to have an idea of what the bird sang because he didn't want anything to ruin his plans.
The tortoise then immediately replied to the elephant and said the bird is trying to tell you what will happen tomorrow at your coronation party; of course flies will dance around the palm wine, and the blood of chickens that will be slaughtered will flow.
Then the tortoise started singing.
We shall crown the elephant. The elephant is worthy to be crowned.
The tortoise kept singing this way and walking while the elephant followed him behind till he got to the village.
On sighting the tortoise and elephant from afar, the entire village started singing and dancing.
The elephant, unaware of the plan, walked towards the mat and fell into the hole that was dug for him. And this is the end of my story.
Sometimes we really need to be watchful, not all that celebrate us wish us well.
Images are ai generated
THANK YOU FOR READING TO THE END 馃
