OSITA RICH
Ethnic Origin: Yoruba
Full Story
Once upon a time, there was a Tortoise known for his cunning and cleverness. He had a way with words, often charming other animals into doing what he wanted. One day, Tortoise learned that the birds were invited to a grand feast in the sky. Being the trickster he was, Tortoise quickly devised a plan to join the birds, even though he had no wings to fly.
Approaching the birds, Tortoise said, “Dear friends, wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could join you in this feast? We could enjoy it together, and I promise to be a delightful companion.”
The birds, though wary of Tortoise’s reputation, finally agreed to help him after much persuasion. They each contributed a feather, which Tortoise used to create makeshift wings, allowing him to join them in the sky.
As they reached the location of the feast, Tortoise, unable to resist his crafty nature, decided to play a trick on the birds. He declared that he would adopt a new name for the feast, calling himself “All of You.” At first, the birds found this strange, but they didn’t question it, hoping to enjoy the festivities.
When the food was finally served, the host announced, “This feast is for all of you!” Taking advantage of his new name, Tortoise quickly claimed all the food for himself, saying, “As I am called ‘All of You,’ the food is for me!” Shocked and dismayed, the birds watched as Tortoise devoured most of the meal, leaving them with little to eat.
Realizing they had been tricked, the birds were furious. Together, they decided to take back their feathers, leaving Tortoise stranded in the sky without any means to fly home.
Desperate, Tortoise looked down and called out to his wife on the ground below. “Please, my dear, place soft things around so that I may jump down safely!” he pleaded.
But the birds, still angry, intercepted the message, telling his wife to place only hard objects like stones and sharp shells around. Oblivious to their revenge, Tortoise jumped, crashing to the ground and shattering his shell. Since that day, Tortoise’s shell has remained cracked as a reminder of his misdeeds.
Moral of the Story
This Yoruba tale serves as a powerful reminder that greed and deceit lead to misfortune. Tortoise’s actions highlight the dangers of selfishness and betrayal, teaching that honesty and consideration for others are vital values. The story is often told to children to emphasize the importance of integrity and humility, showing that those who take advantage of others may eventually face consequences.
Cultural Significance
This tale of the Tortoise and the Birds is one of the most widely told stories in Yoruba culture and is known across Nigeria. The character of Tortoise, often called “Ijapa” in Yoruba, is symbolic of cleverness but also represents cautionary wisdom. By showcasing the consequences of trickery, the story reinforces communal values and the importance of harmony in society. The cracked shell of a tortoise is often used as a physical reminder of this tale, connecting the story to the natural world and making it a memorable lesson for all.
