Long ago in the forest kingdoms of what is now Benin, the animals lived under a fragile balance, where trust was a currency more valuable than gold. Among them lived a powerful leopard named Zounon. His spots shimmered like rain-soaked bark, and his eyes carried the fire of kings. He was feared and admired—not just for his strength, but for his cunning.
Then there was Kossi, a humble goat who lived at the edge of the forest near the dry hills. Kossi was gentle and hardworking, but luck had never favored him. When the dry season came and grass became scarce, Kossi’s family went hungry.
Desperate, Kossi gathered his courage and approached Zounon.
“Great Leopard,” he said, kneeling low, “my family is starving. I beg you—lend me grain from your store. I will repay you after the harvest.”
Zounon narrowed his golden eyes. “And what if the harvest fails?”
“Then I’ll serve you until my debt is paid,” Kossi replied.
The leopard grinned. “Very well. But mark this—I will come for repayment the day the rains return.”
The agreement was sealed with paw and hoof, and Kossi carried home enough grain to feed his young ones.
Months passed. The rains came. The land turned green again, and Kossi harvested his field. He packed a bag of millet and set out to fulfill his promise.
But Zounon had other plans.
As Kossi approached, the leopard lounged beneath a palm, surrounded by jackals and baboons.
“Ah, Goat,” Zounon said loudly, “what brings you here?”
“I’ve come to repay my debt,” Kossi said, placing the millet before him.
Zounon laughed. “Debt? What debt? You never borrowed from me.”
The crowd snickered.
Kossi’s ears drooped. “But… we made an agreement.”
Zounon growled, rising to his feet. “Do you have proof? Witnesses?”
Kossi stammered, “You were the one who said—”
“There is no debt,” Zounon barked. “Take your lies elsewhere.”
Humiliated, Kossi returned home. Word spread quickly—Zounon had tricked the goat and denied the debt.
But one creature had heard it all: the tortoise, wise and old.
That evening, the tortoise visited Kossi. “You have been wronged, friend. But truth walks slowly—it always catches up.”
The next day, the tortoise went to the leopard with a plan.
“Zounon,” he said, “I heard you’ve stored even more grain now. Let me borrow some for a feast.”
The leopard, proud and greedy, agreed. “But repay me in three days,” he warned.
On the third day, the tortoise returned with a sack—but inside it was a beehive, not millet.
When Zounon opened it, bees swarmed, stinging him from tail to ear.
Roaring, he chased the tortoise through the forest, past the crowd of animals who gathered to watch the spectacle.
Finally, the tortoise climbed onto a rock.
“Zounon!” he shouted. “Was it not you who told the goat that a debt unproven is no debt at all?”
The animals murmured. The leopard froze.
“You lent to me,” said the tortoise, “but I deny it. And you, by your own rules, cannot call it debt.”
Realizing he had been outwitted, Zounon slunk away in shame.
From that day, the animals understood that deception may win once, but never forever.
And the forest never forgot.
✧ Commentary
This Beninese folktale highlights the dangers of betrayal and the long-term consequences of dishonesty. The leopard’s abuse of power is a reflection of societal injustices, while the tortoise represents wisdom, strategy, and justice. It’s a clever tale that reminds us that even the powerful must be held accountable—and that truth, though slow, always rises.
✧ Moral
Lies may triumph in the moment, but truth always returns. Wisdom can overcome even the strongest deceiver.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Q: Why did Kossi go to the leopard? A: To borrow food during the dry season to feed his family.
2. Q: How did the leopard deceive him? A: He denied the loan once Kossi came to repay it, claiming no agreement was made.
3. Q: What did the tortoise do to expose the leopard? A: He tricked the leopard into lending him grain, then denied it, using the leopard’s own logic.
4. Q: What lesson did the animals learn? A: That deception is eventually revealed, and justice finds a way—even against the powerful.
5. Q: What qualities did the tortoise embody? A: Wisdom, cleverness, and a strong sense of justice.
