The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast! - An Insight into Ancient Nigerian Wisdom

Nigerians have always cherished stories; they are woven into the fabric of their daily lives, offering valuable lessons and entertainment in equal measure. Folktales act as repositories of wisdom, passed down through generations, shaping societal values and understanding. Amongst these timeless narratives, one tale stands out – “The Tortoise Who Went to a Feast!”. This intriguing story, originating from the 8th century, delves into themes of cunning, perseverance, and the consequences of arrogance.

The Tortoise’s Audacious Plan

Our protagonist, the Tortoise, is known for his slowness and wisdom. However, he yearns to attend a grand feast hosted by all the animals in the forest. The problem? He’s terribly slow! Unable to make the journey on time by himself, the Tortoise devises a cunning plan. He approaches the birds, renowned for their swiftness, pleading with them to carry him to the festivities.

The Birds, initially hesitant due to the Tortoise’s reputation for trickery, eventually agree after the Tortoise promises them delicious gifts from the feast in return. This act sets the stage for a series of events highlighting the Tortoise’s wit and his ability to exploit others’ weaknesses.

A Flight of Fancy

One by one, different birds are tasked with transporting the Tortoise: the Parrot takes him part of the way, followed by the Eagle who carries him over vast distances. The Tortoise, during each leg of the journey, cleverly convinces the bird carrying him that he should be placed higher on a tree branch for a better view of the festivities.

This seemingly innocent request allows the Tortoise to climb down from each bird’s back when it is out of sight and continue his journey on foot at his own pace.

The Tortoise Arrives! (Almost…)

Finally, the Tortoise arrives at the feast, but not without some twists and turns along the way. He encounters a cunning Monkey who attempts to trick him into sharing his promised gifts. The Tortoise outsmarts the Monkey, using his wits to avoid falling prey to his deception.

Arriving at the feast just as the festivities are winding down, the Tortoise faces a dilemma – he has no gift to offer the host!

The Feast’s Finale and its Moral Lessons

This unexpected turn of events leads to the climax of the story. The Tortoise, realizing his predicament, cleverly spins a tale about how he was delayed by a fearsome creature, explaining his absence from earlier parts of the feast.

Impressed by his storytelling and seemingly selfless nature, the host welcomes him and offers him a share of the remaining food. The Tortoise, however, leaves the feast with more than just leftovers; he departs with a newfound appreciation for humility and the importance of keeping one’s promises.

Table: Analyzing the “The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast!”

Theme	Description	Moral Lesson
Cunning and Deception	The Tortoise’s plan to reach the feast involves manipulation and exploiting others’ generosity.	This highlights the complexities of human nature, where intelligence can be used for both good and bad purposes.
Perseverance	Despite his limitations, the Tortoise never gives up on reaching his goal.	This emphasizes the importance of determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Consequences of Arrogance	The Tortoise learns a valuable lesson when he arrives at the feast without gifts, realizing that his arrogance nearly cost him everything.	This reminds us to be mindful of our actions and the potential consequences they may have.

“The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast!” continues to resonate with audiences today because it explores timeless themes relevant to all cultures. It serves as a reminder that true success comes not just from intelligence but also from humility, integrity, and keeping one’s word. Like a well-worn path leading through ancient forests, this Nigerian folktale guides us towards self-reflection and understanding the complexities of human nature.

It is crucial to remember that folklore is not merely entertainment; it is a powerful tool for cultural transmission, social commentary, and moral education. “The Tortoise Who Went To A Feast!” exemplifies these qualities, inviting readers to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture and the timeless wisdom embedded within its stories.