Do you know that an average African have a natural inclination to a certain degree of superstitious belief? These however cut across traditions of varying locations and tribes. To provide the society with individuals of value and good morals, these beliefs are passed down from one generation to another through special stories folktales and folklores. These become guided principles that individuals can follow should they choose to. The older adults made it sink like stones in clear waters. Animals were better analogical examples in teaching these principles because values could be assigned to each animal as different as they are. Better still, the stories themselves become fascinating tales for the amoebic minds of younglings. The man and the woman from whom I’d entered the world were fascinating storytellers when it came to that.
“The tortoise was very wise and cunning.” The man had started after dinner one night. He sat on a leaning chair, his favorite seat, while the little ones sat round about him. “Now wisdom is important but cunningness is not a good value for adults to abide by.”
He narrated fascinating tale after tale about the tortoise who seemed to be a successful hero in getting his way at the detriment of others. The wisdom of the tortoise and the feats ascribed to him was at the core of historic tales. Our belief in good hospitality remains a drive for improving understanding and relation. Alas, this belief was imbibed into folktales, folklores and even fables. Unpleasant results were often the karmic rewards. “That’s why you have to be nice to visitors.” He concluded the last story for the night. “So you don’t end up with more than just a broken shell like the tortoise.”
“How are we like tortoise?” I had asked out of mere curiosity for I knew people had no shell. I believed we were everything a tortoise could only dream of.
“These animals in the stories I told you are like us in many ways.” He started as I quietly pulled on my brother’s shirt just as his face turned in my direction. My voice dropped as I probed further.
“How?”
“They are guides. We liken a trait to an obvious feature in them.” I could tell my facial expression screamed in confusion for he soon added. “You might not understand it now, but someday you will.”
“Okay.”
The older boy whose shirt I had been tugging had taken my other hand and given it a quick squeeze which sent me squealing as I let go of his now loosened shirt. The man quickly queried him.
“What is the matter with you?” His voice rose abruptly. “Don’t you know it’s late?”
He reminded us of the tale had told us about spirits who stole voices at night. “Do you think these tales are made up?”
“But see what he did to my shirt!” He lifted the hem of his shirt to reveal a saggy front.
“Hospitality also starts with people around you.” The man turned to face me again. “You better don’t end up like the tortoise.”
Turning to face the boy, I bowed my head in defeat.
“I’m sorry.” I gently massaged my poor hand. It felt like the making of history.
Chizaram D. Ezugwu
Beautiful. Enjoyed it really
Thank you.
This brings back memories lol
Delightful read