OSITA RICH
Ethnic Origin: Fulani
Full Story
Long ago, in the grasslands of the Fulani people, Hyena and Hare were close friends. Though Hyena was much larger and stronger, he admired Hare’s cleverness and often relied on him for advice. One day, the two decided to work together to build a farm. They planted yams and agreed to share the harvest equally.
When it was time to divide the yams, Hyena suggested they split them by halves: one would take the tops, and the other would take the bottoms. Clever Hare quickly chose the bottoms, leaving Hyena with the tops. However, when the yams were harvested, Hyena realized that only the roots were edible, and he had been left with useless vines. Furious, Hyena demanded they plant another crop and swap choices the next season.
In the next planting, they grew corn. This time, Hyena chose the bottoms, hoping to get the better share. But when the corn was harvested, the tops bore the grains, leaving Hare with the plentiful crop and Hyena with nothing but stalks. Outraged, Hyena accused Hare of trickery and vowed never to trust him again.
From that day forward, Hyena and Hare became bitter enemies, with Hyena constantly trying to catch Hare, who always managed to outwit him.
Moral of the Story
This Fulani tale teaches the importance of fairness and the consequences of greed. It highlights that trying to outsmart others unfairly can lead to strained relationships and lasting enmity.
Cultural Significance
The story reflects Fulani values of fairness and cooperation while showcasing the wit and resourcefulness often celebrated in African folklore. The dynamic between Hyena and Hare is a recurring theme in many tales, symbolizing the balance between strength and intelligence in navigating life’s challenges.
