In the wide savannas of Burundi, where the sun burns like fire upon the earth and tall acacia trees stretch their branches toward the sky, there lived an elephant known for both strength and wisdom. His massive tusks gleamed like ivory towers, and his great feet pressed steady paths into the land. Among the animals, he was respected, for his voice carried authority and his presence symbolized stability. Yet even the strongest must face trials, and one season brought a drought so severe that it threatened to strip the land of life itself.
The river that once sang through the plains, sparkling under the sun, had dwindled to a trickle. Grass withered, animals weakened, and the air filled with dust. Day after day, the elephant searched for water, his heart heavy with worry, not for himself alone but for the many creatures who looked to him for guidance.
One morning, with the sun rising like a red shield over the horizon, the elephant gathered the animals. “Friends,” he rumbled, his deep voice echoing across the dry land, “the river is failing us. Without water, none of us will endure. Alone, my strength is great, but even I cannot carve rivers with tusks or summon rain with footsteps. We must seek a solution together.”
The smaller animals glanced at one another nervously. The drought had worn down their spirits, but the elephant’s steady words lit a small flame of hope.
The Search for Water
The tortoise, slow yet thoughtful, was first to speak. “Far to the east lies a hidden spring, spoken of by my ancestors. It may still flow.”
The monkey, lively and quick, added, “If I climb the tallest trees, I may glimpse where the earth darkens, hinting at water’s path.”
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The gazelle, swift as the wind, offered, “Send me ahead to scout the plains. I will return quickly with news.”
The elephant listened carefully to each voice. Though he carried wisdom, he knew that true strength lay in hearing others and blending their gifts. Nodding, he declared, “Then let us combine our efforts. Each creature’s talent will guide us.”
So the animals set out, the elephant leading with steady strides, the tortoise recalling old tales of springs, the monkey leaping tree to tree, and the gazelle darting forward and back with reports. Together they pressed on, united by purpose.
The River Restored
At last, after many weary days, they reached a valley where the earth still held dampness beneath its cracked skin. The elephant, sensing hope, thrust his tusks into the soil and dug. The monkey fetched leaves to carry away loosened earth, while the gazelle ran to gather others for help. Even the smallest creatures, the ants and birds, joined in, working tirelessly.
Then, with a sound like a sigh from the earth itself, water burst forth. A spring bubbled up, trickling into a stream, and soon the land drank deeply. Grass grew green again, the animals refreshed themselves, and the valley thrummed with life.
The elephant lifted his trunk and trumpeted a call of triumph. Yet instead of boasting, he turned to his companions and said, “This spring belongs not to me, nor to any one creature. It flows because we worked as one. Let this place remind us that strength is found in unity.”
From that day, the animals gathered at the spring, which grew into a river once more. The drought was broken, and the memory of their cooperation lived on in the songs of Burundian storytellers.
Moral Lesson
This Burundian folktale teaches that wisdom and power, though valuable, are not enough when faced with great challenges. The elephant’s true strength lay not only in his size or his tusks but in his humility to listen, to guide, and to unite others. By combining the knowledge of the tortoise, the agility of the monkey, the swiftness of the gazelle, and the perseverance of many, they accomplished what none could have done alone.
The lesson endures: community and collaboration are the lifeblood of survival. When each voice is heard and each gift valued, even the harshest drought can be overcome.
Knowledge Check
1. Who is the main character in this folktale?
The wise and strong elephant.
2. What disaster threatened the animals?
A severe drought that dried up the river.
3. How did the elephant show his wisdom?
By seeking the advice and help of other animals instead of relying on strength alone.
4. What role did the tortoise play?
He shared ancestral knowledge of a hidden spring.
5. What is the central lesson of the story?
Strength lies in unity, cooperation, and valuing each creature’s unique gifts.
6. Where does this folktale originate?
It is a Burundian folktale from traditional oral storytelling.
Source: Burundian folktale
