Long ago, in the earliest days when the world was still young and full of wonder, the sky was not the distant blue dome we see today. No, back then the sky was very close to the earth — so close that people could reach out their hands and touch the soft clouds drifting low over the fields. Children could climb trees and jump up to the sky, and animals could leap among the fluffy clouds as if they were stepping stones.
The sky was like a gentle, protective roof wrapped around the earth. It shimmered with twinkling stars that sang lullabies at night, and it carried the songs of the birds and the whispers of the wind. Under this low sky, the world was a place of harmony and joy. People lived happily with each other and with the animals, sharing food and stories, and celebrating the bounty of the land.
In the heart of this peaceful world lived a young girl named Amadou. She was known for her bright eyes that sparkled like the stars and a heart as wide as the great river. Amadou loved the sky more than anything. Each morning she would run outside to greet the sun, and each night she would lie on the soft grass and count the stars.
One day, as Amadou sat beneath the spreading branches of an ancient baobab tree, the Sky Spirit came down to speak with her. The Sky Spirit was a gentle being who cared deeply for the earth and all its creatures. But this time, he wore a look of sadness.
“Amadou,” he said softly, “I watch over your people and the animals, and I see that something has changed.”
Amadou looked up, puzzled. “What do you mean, Sky Spirit?”
“The people,” he explained, “have begun to fight. They no longer share or listen. Their hearts are filled with anger and greed. This quarrel disturbs the balance of the world.”
Amadou’s smile faded. “But why would they fight? There is enough for everyone.”
The Sky Spirit sighed, a breeze stirring the leaves above. “When people forget kindness, they forget the ties that bind them. If they do not learn to live in peace, I must move the sky farther away, so their fighting does not harm the world.”
Amadou’s heart sank. She loved the low, close sky, the gentle stars, and the songs of the night. “Please, Sky Spirit, don’t go so far. I will help my people find peace.”
The Sky Spirit nodded. “I hope you do, Amadou. Remember, the sky is always watching.”
The very next day, the villagers began to quarrel openly. They argued over the best farmland, the ripest fruit, and who should lead the village. Their voices grew loud, and the noise disturbed the birds and animals that once lived in harmony.
As the days passed, the Sky Spirit began to rise slowly upward, pulling the sky higher and higher. The once low roof of blue lifted gently away from the earth.
The stars twinkled faintly, and the clouds drifted out of reach. Children jumped and stretched their arms, but the sky was just beyond their fingers. Birds flew higher but could no longer rest among the clouds.
Amadou was heartbroken. She knew she had to act quickly before the sky was gone forever.
She traveled from village to village, speaking to her people with kindness and hope. “We must remember how to share,” she told them. “If we fight, we lose more than we gain.”
At first, many ignored her, too caught in their anger. But some listened — the elders who remembered the old ways, the mothers who wished for peace for their children, and even the young ones who longed to see the stars close again.
Together, they planted trees to heal the land, shared their food with neighbors, and sang songs that reminded everyone of friendship and harmony.
Slowly, the fighting ceased. The villagers began to work together, repairing what had been broken and celebrating the joy of living side by side.
One evening, as the village gathered beneath the vast sky, Amadou looked up and whispered, “Thank you, Sky Spirit.”
Though the sky remained far, it shone brightly with the promise of peace. The stars twinkled like watchful eyes, and the gentle breeze carried the laughter and love of a village reunited.
And so, the sky is far away today, a reminder of the power of kindness and the cost of discord. It waits patiently, watching over us all, ready to come closer again when peace fills our hearts.
✧ Commentary
This folktale explains a natural phenomenon through the lens of human behavior. The closeness of the sky represents harmony between people and nature, while its distance symbolizes the consequences of conflict and selfishness. The story highlights the importance of community, peace, and kindness—values central to many Nigerien cultures where cooperation ensures survival in challenging environments. Amadou’s role as a peacemaker inspires listeners to embrace empathy and reconciliation.
✧ Moral
Peace and kindness draw us closer to the beauty of life and each other. Conflict and greed create distance and separation, but with effort, harmony can be restored.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Q: Why was the sky close to the earth long ago? A: Because people and animals lived in peace and harmony.
2. Q: What caused the sky to move farther away? A: The fighting and greed among the people.
3. Q: Who helped bring peace back to the villages? A: A brave girl named Amadou, who encouraged kindness and sharing.
4. Q: What does the story teach about how our actions affect the world? A: That our behavior—peaceful or selfish—affects the harmony between earth and sky.
5. Q: Why is the sky far away today? A: Because the distance reflects the effects of human conflict, reminding us to seek peace.
