Long ago, when the sea was young and its creatures had not yet taken their final forms, Crab was known as one of the most handsome beings beneath the waves. He did not look like the crab we know today. Instead, he had a tall, shining head that rose proudly above his shell. His eyes sparkled like pearls, and his smooth voice carried far through the waters. Among the creatures of the sea, Crab loved to boast that none were as splendid as he.
Whenever the fish gathered, Crab would strut before them, lifting his head high and saying, “Look at me, the king of the ocean. No one can match my beauty or wisdom.” The smaller creatures listened with annoyance but stayed silent, for they feared his sharp claws. Even the larger creatures grew weary of his pride. Yet Crab continued, swelling with arrogance each day.
One evening, as the tide rolled quietly and the moonlight touched the waves, Crab saw the Sea Spirit gliding gracefully through the water. The Sea Spirit was ancient, older than the waves themselves. Her presence filled the ocean with calm, and every creature respected her. They bowed their fins, bent their shells, and lowered their eyes in honor. All except Crab.
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Instead of showing respect, Crab laughed loudly. “What is this spirit compared to me?” he mocked. “I have a head finer than any jewel in the sea. I should be the one worshiped, not this shadow that drifts through the water.”
The Sea Spirit stopped and turned her gaze upon him. Her eyes were deep and endless, like the ocean’s heart. “Crab,” she said in a voice that rippled through the water, “your pride blinds you. You dishonor not only me but the sea that gave you life. Beware, for arrogance brings its own downfall.”
But Crab only laughed louder, tossing his head back in scorn. “Downfall? I am the strongest. I am the most beautiful. I fear no one, not even you.”
The Sea Spirit raised her hand, and the waters around her grew heavy with silence. “Then let your head, the source of your pride, be taken from you. From this day forward, you shall crawl without it. Your eyes will sit upon your body, and your voice will no longer carry above the waves. You will scuttle along the sand, a reminder to all of what arrogance brings.”
Before Crab could protest, a flash of light cut through the sea, and his proud head vanished. In its place, his body hardened into the shape we know today. His eyes shifted to the top of his shell, small and beady, and his mouth sank low where no voice of pride could be heard. He staggered, confused, and tried to call out, but only a harsh clicking sound escaped.
The other sea creatures gathered, staring in shock. Some whispered, “The Sea Spirit has spoken.” Others laughed at the once-proud Crab, saying, “Where is your fine head now? Where are your grand words?” Crab tried to hide, burying himself in the sand, but it was no use. His punishment was plain for all to see.
From that day onward, Crab lived with shame. No longer did he strut proudly through the waters. Instead, he scuttled sideways, hiding among rocks and sand. His arrogance was gone, replaced by silence and humility. The creatures of the sea never forgot the lesson, and even today, when we see the crab crawling without a head, we remember why.
Moral Lesson:
The story of Why the Crab Has No Head teaches that arrogance and pride invite downfall. True respect is earned through humility, not boasting. When one mocks what should be honored, they risk losing what they value most.
Knowledge Check
How did Crab look before his punishment in Why the Crab Has No Head?
He had a tall, shining head and was considered very handsome.Why did the other sea creatures dislike Crab?
They disliked him because he was arrogant and constantly boasted about his beauty.Who did Crab mock that led to his punishment?
He mocked the Sea Spirit, the ancient guardian of the ocean.What punishment did the Sea Spirit give to Crab?
She took away his head, making his eyes sit on his body and his mouth low and voiceless.How did the other sea creatures react after Crab lost his head?
Some whispered in awe, while others laughed at his downfall.What is the main lesson of Why the Crab Has No Head?
The story warns against arrogance and teaches the importance of humility and respect.
Source: Kru folktale, Liberia. Recorded in Richard C. Turner’s Liberian Folk-Tales (1930).
