In a quiet Wolof village along the winding riverbanks of Senegal, the morning sun stretched across golden fields. Birds chirped and the soft murmur of the river accompanied the gentle rustle of palm leaves. The villagers prepared their harvest, and animals from nearby forests observed the human activity. Among these animals were Hare and Hyena, known throughout the land for their very different natures. Hare was clever and meticulous, always planning carefully and thinking ahead. Hyena was impatient and greedy, eager for quick gain without proper effort.
One day, Hare decided to plant his field with millet and maize. He chose a fertile patch near the river and worked diligently, planting seeds in straight, even rows. Once the planting was done, Hare began constructing a fence around his field. He selected strong wooden stakes and carefully tied them together with vines. He made sure the fence was tight and high enough to keep intruders away. Every knot was secure, and every post was firmly planted in the ground. Hare admired his work, confident that his crops would grow safely.
Hyena, observing Hare’s effort, decided she wanted her own field. She planted her seeds quickly in a nearby patch but rushed the fence construction. She used weak posts and tied them carelessly with loose vines. “I will finish faster than Hare,” she bragged, “and no one will notice the difference.” Her fence wobbled and bent under the slightest touch, but Hyena ignored the flaws, confident that appearances were enough.
As the days passed, animals from the forest came searching for food. Monkeys, birds, and even other small creatures wandered into the fields. They found Hyena’s fence weak and broken, and easily trampled her crops. Grain and leaves were scattered across the ground, leaving Hyena frustrated and hungry. She growled and stomped her feet, realizing too late that her carelessness had cost her dearly.
Hare, however, remained calm. His strong fence held firm, keeping his crops safe. The animals tried to enter, but they could not pass through the tightly secured posts. Hare walked around his field each day, checking the fence and harvesting small amounts of grain at a time. He smiled quietly, satisfied that his careful planning and patience had protected his hard work.
Hyena watched in envy, her stomach empty and her pride wounded. She realized that rushing through work and neglecting proper effort led to failure. Hare approached her gently and said, “Hyena, success comes to those who plan carefully and work with patience. A hasty fence or rushed planting cannot protect what we have worked hard to earn.”
Hyena hung her head, embarrassed and hungry. She understood the lesson, though learning it would take time. The other animals observed quietly, remembering the clever hare and his strong fence. They learned that careful effort, diligence, and forethought always provide protection and success, while haste, greed, and negligence bring loss and frustration.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the river and fields in shades of gold and red, Hare harvested his crops in peace. Hyena went home empty-handed, reflecting on her mistakes and promising herself that next time, she would work carefully rather than trying to take shortcuts. The village returned to its calm rhythm, carrying with it the story of the clever hare and the strong fence.
Moral Lesson:
The story of The Clever Hare and the Strong Fence teaches that careful planning, patience, and diligent work protect our efforts and lead to success. Rushing or neglecting responsibilities may result in loss, while thoughtful effort ensures lasting rewards.
Knowledge Check
What kind of fence did Hare build around his field?
Hare built a strong, tight fence using solid wooden stakes and secure vines to protect his crops.Why were Hyena’s crops destroyed?
Hyena made a weak and broken fence, which animals easily trampled, destroying her crops.What lesson did Hare try to teach Hyena?
Hare taught that careful planning and patient effort lead to success, while negligence brings failure.How did the other animals react to the fence situation?
They observed quietly, learning that diligence and foresight protect one’s work from harm.What did Hare do while his crops were safe?
Hare checked his fence regularly and harvested his grain in peace, ensuring the safety of his harvest.What is the main moral of the story?
The main moral is that patience, careful planning, and diligent work bring protection and success, while carelessness leads to loss.Cultural Origin: Wolof, Senegal
Source: Wolof folktale, recorded by René Guillot, Contes d’Afrique, 1933, p. 62
