The Tortoise Who Was Wise And Cunning – A Tale of Deception and Patience From 6th Century Nigeria!

Folktales serve as windows into the souls of civilizations, reflecting their values, beliefs, and understanding of the world. They transcend time and geography, offering universal themes that resonate with audiences across cultures. Today, we journey to the heart of ancient Nigeria, a land steeped in rich oral tradition, to explore a captivating tale titled “The Tortoise Who Was Wise And Cunning.”

This story, passed down through generations, embodies the Yoruba people’s appreciation for wisdom, cunning, and patience. It revolves around the titular tortoise, a creature known for its slow pace but renowned for its intelligence. The narrative unfolds with a vibrant tapestry of characters, each embodying specific traits:

• The Tortoise: Symbolizing wit, patience, and perseverance, despite physical limitations.
• The Birds: Representing arrogance, haste, and the pitfalls of unchecked pride.
• The Sky God: An embodiment of justice and divine intervention.

The story begins with a grand feast hosted by the birds in celebration of their aerial superiority. Invitations are extended to all creatures except the tortoise, who, due to his slow nature, is deemed unworthy of attending this prestigious gathering. Determined to partake in the festivities, the tortoise cleverly devises a plan. He approaches a bird and requests to be carried aloft, promising a delicious gift in return.

Initially skeptical, the birds are eventually persuaded by the tortoise’s charm and persuasive language. They agree to transport him to the feast, unaware of his cunning intentions. Once airborne, the tortoise observes the feast from above, marveling at the abundance of delectable delicacies laid out for the birds. He hatches a further plan – feigning illness, he requests that the birds return him to earth, promising to send them a portion of the feast as a reward.

The naive birds, believing his charade, promptly carry him back down. Left alone with the feast now within reach, the tortoise indulges in a gluttonous meal, relishing every morsel and boasting about his cleverness. When the birds return, expecting their share of the spoils, they are met with an empty table and a smug tortoise, who nonchalantly explains that he had already consumed everything.

The enraged birds report this injustice to the Sky God, who judges the tortoise’s actions as deceitful and unfair. The tortoise, however, defends his cunning by emphasizing that the birds were responsible for transporting him to the feast in the first place.

The tale concludes with a moral lesson: while cunning can be advantageous, it should not come at the expense of honesty and fairness. The tortoise, despite his intelligence, is ultimately portrayed as selfish and lacking integrity, demonstrating that true wisdom lies in balancing wit with ethical conduct.

Unpacking the Symbolism:

The Enduring Appeal of “The Tortoise Who Was Wise And Cunning”

This tale’s timeless appeal stems from its ability to address universal themes:

• The Duality of Intelligence: It highlights the fact that intelligence can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it is wielded.
• The Dangers of Arrogance: The birds’ downfall serves as a cautionary reminder against excessive pride and underestimating others.
• The Importance of Ethical Conduct: Even though the tortoise outsmarts the birds, he ultimately suffers consequences for his lack of integrity.

“The Tortoise Who Was Wise And Cunning” continues to be told and retold in Nigeria, offering valuable insights into human nature and reminding us that true wisdom lies not only in intellectual prowess but also in ethical behavior and compassion. The tale serves as a testament to the enduring power of folklore in shaping cultural values and transmitting timeless lessons across generations.