Obang had a dog that was unlike any other in the village. It was strong and swift, with eyes sharp enough to follow the trail of game and ears quick to catch the faintest sound in the forest. It knew the voice of its master and always obeyed it. Above all, the dog was a skilled hunter, famous for its ability to chase down wild pigs, bringing both pride and food to Obang’s household.
One morning, Obang took his faithful dog into the forest for a hunt. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth, and the dense trees hummed with the cries of unseen birds. The dog dashed ahead, its body weaving effortlessly between the trunks. Suddenly, it stopped in its tracks. Its tail dropped, and its ears pressed back in fear.
There before it, crouched in the grass, was a lion. The beast was tearing into the flesh of a bushbuck, its mouth red with blood. When the lion lifted its massive head and roared, its teeth flashing white, the dog’s courage faltered. With a yelp, it bolted back to its master.
“Why does my brave dog retreat?” Obang wondered, puzzled by its sudden flight.
Still, he pressed forward and soon came face-to-face with the lion himself. The dog, encouraged by Obang’s presence, regained some boldness and rushed forward to snatch at the lion’s kill. The lion roared again, furious, and charged. The dog, once more terrified, darted behind Obang for protection.
Now Obang stood between the lion and his trembling dog. The predator fixed its gaze on him, muscles coiled, ready to strike. Obang turned and ran with all his strength, but the lion was faster. Its heavy paws pounded the earth, closing the distance.
“I will surely die today,” Obang thought. “This lion will devour me.”
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At that very moment, he reached the banks of the Alwaro River. Without hesitation, Obang leapt into the water and swam desperately across. The river churned around him, but the lion stopped short at the edge. Snarling in frustration, it would not follow, for lions do not love the water. Obang scrambled up the far bank, gasping but alive.
When he returned to the village, his anger burned hotter than the midday sun.
“My dog is a fool!” he shouted to the people. “It dragged an angry lion upon me and nearly got me killed. I should slaughter it at once.”
The villagers protested.
“What are you saying, Obang? This dog has been your faithful companion. It is clever and quick. It knows your voice. Perhaps one day, when you least expect it, you will need its help.”
Obang was not convinced, but he spared the dog.
Weeks passed before Obang ventured into the forest again. The air was quiet that day, the path soft under his feet as the dog ran ahead. Neither of them noticed a python lying coiled beneath a tree, its scales glistening in the dim light.
Obang’s foot pressed down on its tail. In an instant, the serpent struck. It wound around his legs, tightening, its heavy coils rising higher and higher up his body. Obang fell to the ground, gasping as the life was squeezed out of him.
“Help! Help me!” he cried, his voice echoing through the trees.
The loyal dog heard his cry and returned swiftly. Seeing the python, it lunged forward and sank its sharp teeth into the serpent’s tail. The python writhed, hissing in pain, but the dog pulled harder, growling with determination. At last, the serpent loosened its grip and slid away, vanishing into the undergrowth.
Obang lay weak on the path, barely able to move. The dog circled him, barking until he stirred. Slowly, Obang sat up, his breath returning. But then the python slithered back, its eyes fixed on him. Its strength was weaker now, its tail bleeding from the dog’s bite.
Quickly, Obang drew his knife. With a swift strike, he killed the serpent. He built a fire, feeding it with dry branches, and threw the python’s body into the flames. Smoke rose into the air, and soon nothing remained but ashes.
When Obang returned to the village, his voice carried a different tone.
“My friends,” he said, “today I was caught by a great python. It nearly killed me, but my dog saved my life. It bit the serpent’s tail and freed me from its coils. Truly, my dog is not a fool. It is my protector.”
The villagers smiled knowingly.
“Yes, Obang,” they replied. “A man must always be kind to his dog, for a faithful dog is a man’s best friend.”
Moral Lesson
This story reminds us of the enduring value of loyalty and patience. In his anger, Obang almost cast aside the very companion who would later save his life. True worth is not always visible in moments of frustration, but becomes clear in times of trial. The tale teaches us that loyalty, once given, should never be taken for granted, for it may one day prove to be our salvation.
Knowledge Check
1. Who was Obang’s loyal companion in the story?
Obang’s loyal companion was his dog, known for its cleverness, speed, and hunting skills.
2. What animal first threatened Obang in the forest?
A lion threatened Obang after being disturbed while eating a bushbuck.
3. Why did Obang want to kill his dog after the lion encounter?
Obang felt the dog had endangered him by drawing the angry lion toward him.
4. How did the dog save Obang’s life during the second hunt?
The dog bit the python’s tail and pulled until it released Obang.
5. What lesson do the villagers emphasize at the end of the story?
They remind Obang that a good dog is a man’s best friend and should be treated with kindness.
6. What is the cultural origin of this folktale?
This is an Anuak folktale from the Gambela region of Ethiopia.
Source: Anuak folktale, Ethiopia (Gambela region).
