Long ago, in the days when the earth was still fresh and the animals and spirits lived closer to humankind, there were two powerful beings who walked among the people. They were not ordinary creatures. One was Lightning, fierce and restless, glowing with a fiery brilliance that no one could match. The other was his mother, Thunder, strong and loud, her voice rumbling through valleys and shaking the roofs of huts.
Though they lived like everyone else, they were unlike anyone else. Lightning was quick-tempered, easily angered, and far too eager to show his strength. Whenever something displeased him, he would release his blinding power, striking trees until they cracked or burning down homes in fiery sparks. Entire villages lived in fear of his sudden bursts of fury.
Thunder, his mother, tried her best to guide him. Whenever he misbehaved, she raised her booming voice, scolding him so that the entire countryside could hear. Her roars rolled across the land like drums of warning. But Lightning was stubborn, and though he respected his mother, he rarely listened.
At first, the people endured it. They thought perhaps Lightning’s anger would cool, or that Thunder’s warnings might tame him. But as time went on, the destruction grew worse. Too many homes had been reduced to ashes. Too many families had wept at the sudden ruin caused by Lightning’s pride. Trees that gave shade and fruit stood charred and lifeless. The people began to feel they were not safe in their own land.
Finally, the chiefs and elders gathered. Their voices were heavy with sorrow and fear as they agreed: something had to be done. They went before the king, their leader, and laid their complaint.
“O King,” they said, “we are troubled day and night. Lightning brings fire upon us without warning. Thunder scolds, but her son does not change. We cannot live in peace. If nothing is done, our homes will not last, and our lives will be filled only with fear.”
The king listened carefully. He knew their words were true. He too had seen the fires, heard the cries, and watched his people suffer. He thought long and hard, for the matter was grave: Lightning and Thunder were powerful, not to be handled lightly.
At last, the king gave his judgment. “If Lightning and his mother cannot live among us without causing harm, then they must live elsewhere. From this day, they shall no longer walk the earth. They shall go and dwell in the sky.”
And so it was. Lightning and Thunder were sent to live above the world, high in the heavens, where their presence could still be felt but their danger kept far away.
Yet Lightning did not change his ways completely. To this day, he still darts about in quick flashes, eager to show his strength. And when he does, his mother’s voice follows soon after. “You must learn patience!” she thunders, scolding him loudly so that all may hear.
That is why even now, whenever you see a sudden flash of Lightning streaking across the sky, you know Thunder’s voice will follow, booming in warning, as a mother chides her son.
Moral of the Story
Children should always listen to their parents’ guidance. Disobedience and recklessness can bring harm not only to themselves but also to the community around them. Respect and discipline build harmony, while pride and impatience can drive one far from home.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who are the main characters in this folktale?
A1: The story centers on Lightning, a restless and destructive son, and his mother, Thunder.
Q2: Why did the people complain about Lightning and Thunder?
A2: Because Lightning’s fiery bursts set homes and trees on fire, and Thunder’s scolding did little to stop him.
Q3: What decision did the king make about Lightning and Thunder?
A3: The king ordered them to leave the earth and live in the sky, away from the people.
Q4: Why does Thunder always follow Lightning in the sky?
A4: Because she scolds him for being too quick and reckless, her voice echoing after his flash.
Q5: What cultural lesson does this story emphasize?
A5: The importance of children obeying their parents’ guidance to avoid harm and maintain peace.
Q6: What natural phenomenon does the folktale explain?
A6: It explains why we see Lightning before hearing Thunder—the flash comes first, followed by the scolding voice.
Source: Nigerian Folktale
