Long ago, when the world was still fresh with stories, two birds were the closest of friends: the ’Nsasak bird and the Odudu bird. They spent their days flying across wide skies, perching on tall trees, and sharing the bounty of the land. Their bond was known far and wide, for the two were seldom seen apart.
As time passed, the friends decided that it was time to build homes of their own. “Let us build together,” said the ’Nsasak bird one morning as the sun painted the horizon gold. The Odudu bird eagerly agreed, for he loved the idea of working alongside his companion.
They chose a quiet spot near the edge of the forest, where the trees bent gently with the wind and the rivers sang nearby. The ground was firm, and the shade of the great branches offered comfort from the blazing sun. Together, they gathered materials, but it quickly became clear that while they had made the same decision, they did not share the same spirit.
The Work of the ’Nsasak Bird
The ’Nsasak bird worked with patience and care. He flew tirelessly from tree to tree, collecting strong sticks and weaving them carefully into a sturdy frame. He lined the walls with leaves that overlapped tightly, so no drop of rain could enter. His claws pulled vines together, binding every joint until the house stood solid and firm.
Every day, the ’Nsasak bird worked steadily, humming to himself as he shaped his home. His feathers grew dusty, and his wings ached, but he pressed on. “A house must last beyond the day,” he told himself. “It must shelter me from the storms of tomorrow.”
The Work of the Odudu Bird
The Odudu bird, however, had a different spirit. At first, he seemed eager, picking up dry grass and light twigs, but before long, he grew tired. “Why should I work so hard?” he muttered. “The sun is warm, and the wind is kind. A house of grass will do well enough.”
Instead of weaving carefully like his friend, he piled stalks of grass loosely together and tied them with little effort. His nest looked neat from a distance, but up close, the walls were thin and fragile. Whenever the ’Nsasak bird encouraged him to do more, the Odudu bird only laughed. “Why waste time on heavy sticks and vines? I will finish quickly, and then I will rest while you are still struggling.”
And so, the Odudu bird spent his days singing idly in the trees, watching the sky, or dozing in the afternoon heat, while the ’Nsasak bird toiled with determination.
The Coming of the Rain
At last, both homes were finished. The Odudu bird’s house stood light and airy, woven from grass that rustled in the wind. The ’Nsasak bird’s house stood solid and strong, its walls thick with layers of branches and leaves.
Not long after, the season of rain arrived. At first, only gentle drops fell, dappling the leaves. But soon the skies darkened, and the rain poured down in torrents. The wind howled through the forest, bending trees and sending branches crashing to the earth.
Inside his house, the ’Nsasak bird sat warm and dry. The rain beat against his roof, but not a drop entered. The walls stood firm, and the house did not shake. He smiled to himself, knowing his hard work had prepared him well.
But for the Odudu bird, the story was different. The rain fell heavily upon his grass walls, soaking them through. The thin stalks sagged, and the loose knots unraveled. In moments, his house collapsed, leaving him exposed to the storm. Shivering and drenched, the Odudu bird flew desperately to find shelter, but he found none.
From that day onward, the Odudu bird lived in hardship, always poor and without a secure home. Meanwhile, the ’Nsasak bird continued to live in comfort, his house a testament to his patience and effort.
Moral of the Story
This Nigerian folktale teaches us a timeless truth: laziness brings only poverty and struggle, while diligence and hard work lead to security and prosperity. A home, or a life, built carelessly will not withstand the storms.
Knowledge Check
1. Who are the main characters in The ’Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird?
The story features two bird friends, the hardworking ’Nsasak bird and the lazy Odudu bird.
2. What was the key difference between the ’Nsasak and Odudu birds?
The ’Nsasak bird worked diligently to build a strong house, while the Odudu bird was lazy and built a weak grass house.
3. What happened when the heavy rains came?
The ’Nsasak bird’s strong house remained safe and dry, while the Odudu bird’s grass house was destroyed.
4. What lesson does this folktale teach about laziness?
The tale warns that laziness leads to poverty, insecurity, and failure.
5. How does the ’Nsasak bird symbolize hard work?
The ’Nsasak bird represents diligence, patience, and preparation, which result in lasting success.
6. Where does this folktale originate?
This story is a traditional Nigerian folktale.
Source: Nigerian folktale
