Long ago, in the wide plains of Southern Africa, two mighty forces quarreled, Elephant, the giant of the earth, and Rain, the life-giver from the skies. Their dispute shook the land. Elephant, towering and strong, challenged Rain’s claim of power.
“If you say you nourish me,” Elephant demanded, “in what way do you do so?”
Rain, calm yet unyielding, replied, “If you believe I do not nourish you, then when I depart, will you not wither and die?”
With that, Rain withdrew, vanishing into the heavens. The earth grew dry, rivers shrank, and even the strongest trees bent in thirst. Elephant, now suffering without water, turned to the birds for help.
First, he approached Vulture. “Cast lots and make rain for me,” Elephant pleaded.
But Vulture shook his head. “I will not cast lots.”
Elephant then called upon Crow. “Cast lots and bring the rain.”
Crow answered, “Give me the things with which to cast.” When Elephant did so, Crow performed the ritual. The skies darkened, thunder rumbled, and rain poured down. The parched land drank eagerly, lagoons filled, and streams gushed. But the water did not last long, every lagoon dried quickly except one.
When the pools were gone and only a single lagoon remained, Elephant prepared to go hunting. Before leaving, he commanded, “Tortoise, stay here. Guard the water for me.”
Faithful to his task, Tortoise stationed himself at the lagoon, ready to keep watch.
Soon, the thirsty animals began to arrive. Giraffe was the first, bending his long neck toward the pool. “Give me water, Tortoise,” he begged.
But Tortoise shook his head. “The water belongs to Elephant.”
Next came Zebra, his stripes dusty from the heat. “Give me water, Tortoise,” he said.
Again, Tortoise replied, “The water belongs to Elephant.”
One by one, the creatures of the savannah appeared. Gemsbok, powerful and horned; Wildebeest, restless and weary; Roodebok, panting from the sun; Springbok, swift but parched; even sly Jackal. Each asked for a drink. But to each, Tortoise answered firmly, “The water belongs to Elephant.”
Finally, Lion approached. His golden mane gleamed, and his voice thundered: “Little Tortoise, give me water.”
Brave Tortoise began to speak, but before he could finish, Lion seized him in his claws and struck him. “Enough of your words!” Lion roared. He lowered his head and drank deeply until his thirst was quenched. And after Lion, the rest of the animals, emboldened, drank freely from the lagoon. From that day forward, the waters became open to all.
When Elephant returned from his hunt, he asked, “Little Tortoise, is there water?”
Tortoise replied truthfully, “The animals have drunk the water.”
Elephant’s eyes blazed with anger. “Little Tortoise, shall I chew you, or shall I swallow you whole?”
Without hesitation, Tortoise answered with quiet defiance, “Swallow me, if you please.”
Elephant wasted no time. He swallowed Tortoise whole, thinking he had rid himself of a disobedient servant.
But once inside the belly of the giant, Tortoise proved his resilience. With sharp determination, he tore at Elephant’s liver, his heart, and his kidneys. Elephant groaned in agony. “Little Tortoise, you are killing me!”
The mighty beast staggered, then fell lifeless to the ground.
When Elephant’s body lay still, Tortoise crawled out, unharmed and victorious. He walked away freely, leaving behind the fallen giant, and continued his path wherever he pleased.
Moral of the Story
This tale reminds us that strength and size alone do not guarantee survival. Elephant, though mighty, fell victim to his pride and anger. Tortoise, small and underestimated, triumphed through patience, bravery, and cunning. True power often lies not in physical might, but in wisdom, endurance, and the courage to face adversity.
Knowledge Check
1. Who were the two great forces in dispute at the beginning of the story?
Elephant and Rain argued about which one truly sustained life.
2. What role did Crow play in bringing the rain?
Crow cast lots, which caused the rain to fall and fill the lagoons.
3. Why did Elephant leave Tortoise behind at the lagoon?
Elephant ordered Tortoise to guard the last remaining water while he went hunting.
4. How did Tortoise respond when animals asked for water?
He repeatedly told each animal, from Giraffe to Jackal, that the water belonged to Elephant.
5. What happened when Lion confronted Tortoise?
Lion beat Tortoise and drank the water, leading all animals to follow his example.
6. What lesson does Tortoise’s survival inside Elephant teach?
That cleverness, courage, and resilience can overcome brute strength and pride.
Source: South African Folktale
