In a lively Wolof village along the shimmering rivers of Senegal, preparations were underway for a grand feast. Villagers polished bowls, arranged food, and strung decorations across the clearing. The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the aroma of freshly cooked millet and roasted fish. Among the animals observing the festivities were Hare and Hyena, two creatures known across the land for their very different temperaments. Hare was clever, patient, and careful, while Hyena was hasty, careless, and eager to show off.
That day, both animals decided to contribute to the celebration by crafting drums. Hare carefully selected a strong wooden frame and a smooth hide. He stretched the hide tightly across the drum and secured it meticulously. Every knot was firm, every edge perfectly aligned, and the drum resonated with a promise of clear, beautiful sound. Hare tested it gently, smiling as each beat produced a crisp, lively tone. He knew that the drum would bring joy to the feast and honor the village’s celebration.
Hyena, however, grew impatient. She tore scraps of old hide from random pieces and roughly tied them to a weak wooden frame. She ignored the creases and holes and laughed as she finished quickly. “I will be ready before Hare, and everyone will admire my drum!” she boasted, pounding it roughly to prove her point. The sound that emerged was dull and lifeless, lacking any musical clarity.
When the feast began, the villagers and animals gathered in a circle. Hare lifted his drum and began to play. Each beat was clear and resonant, echoing across the clearing and blending perfectly with the laughter and dancing. The rhythm made everyone sway and clap, and the music lifted spirits high into the warm afternoon sun. Hare smiled quietly, proud of his patience and careful work.
Hyena, eager to impress, slammed her drum against the ground. The sound that came out was only a series of dull thuds. The villagers and animals winced, and a few giggled quietly at the poor rhythm. Ashamed, Hyena broke her drum in frustration and slunk away into the tall grasses, while Hare’s drum continued to fill the clearing with lively, harmonious beats.
Hare approached gently and said, “Hyena, skill and care make music beautiful, while haste and carelessness create only noise. True effort brings respect and joy to all, but rushing leads to embarrassment and failure.”
Hyena hung her head, realizing the truth in Hare’s words. She had wanted to appear impressive without taking the time to craft her drum properly, and now she faced the consequences. The animals and villagers watched quietly, understanding the lesson that patience, diligence, and skill always produce lasting results, while haste and carelessness lead to disappointment.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and orange, Hare’s drum continued to play, guiding dancers around the clearing. Hyena, hidden among the trees, reflected on her mistakes and promised herself that she would work carefully next time instead of rushing. The feast ended joyfully, and the story of the clever hare and the fine drum became another cherished tale in the village’s oral tradition.
Moral Lesson:
The story of The Clever Hare and the Fine Drum teaches that patience, skill, and careful effort produce success and admiration, while haste and carelessness lead to failure and embarrassment. True accomplishment comes from thoughtful work, not from rushing or seeking attention.
Knowledge Check
What kind of drum did Hare craft?
Hare crafted a drum with a strong wooden frame and a tightly stretched hide that produced clear, beautiful sound.Why did Hyena’s drum fail?
Hyena used torn scraps and tied them carelessly to a weak frame, resulting in dull thuds instead of music.What lesson did Hare teach Hyena?
Hare taught that patience, skill, and careful effort create success, while haste and carelessness cause failure.How did the villagers and animals react to the drums?
They enjoyed Hare’s drum for its clear, lively sound and were amused by Hyena’s poor rhythm, learning the value of careful work.What did Hyena do after her drum failed?
She broke her drum in frustration and slunk away, ashamed of her careless effortWhat is the main moral of the story?
The main moral is that thoughtful, skillful effort brings respect and success, while rushing leads to embarrassment and failure.
Cultural Origin: Wolof, Senegal
Source: Wolof folktale, recorded by René Guillot, Contes d’Afrique, 1933, p. 63
