Long ago, in the time when both humans and animals lived together in one land, King Maseni ruled over a country where all tribes, human and beast, built towns side by side. In one of these towns lived Tortoise, called Kudu, at one end of the street, and Leopard, called Nja, at the other. Both were married men, each with two wives. Life was balanced until one day famine struck, spreading hunger through the land.
King Maseni, seeking fairness, gave a decree: “If anyone is found with food, bring it to me for equal sharing.” Watchmen were appointed to guard the land, yet hunger worsened. Families weakened and many died.
One morning, Tortoise went in search of food. He told his wife he would stroll by the beach, but instead he wandered deep into the jungle. There he reached a wide river with a tall coconut tree by its bank, heavy with nuts. Hungry, he climbed, plucked some, and dropped them. One nut slipped and fell into the river. Determined not to lose it, Tortoise dove after it. The current carried him far until he reached the landing of a strange town.
At the riverside, a woman washing a child asked why he had come. Tortoise explained about the famine, the coconuts, and his hunger. The woman guided him: “Go to that house. Inside is a drum. Choose wisely.”
READ THIS: The Lies of Tortoise: An Equatorial Guinea Folktale.
When he entered, many drums called out, “Take me! Take me!” But others advised him, “Do not take the drums that speak. Choose the silent one.” Tortoise obeyed and carried the quiet drum back to the riverbank. There he struck it, and before his eyes appeared a long table laden with food. He ate joyfully and, saying “Put it back,” watched the food vanish.
Returning home, he tied the drum to a tree, tested it again, and filled his bag with food. At home, he shared secretly with his wives and children, warning them not to let Leopard’s family know. For days, Tortoise enjoyed the magic, each morning visiting the tree and returning with provisions.
But curiosity burned in his eldest son. One dawn, the boy followed his father and learned the secret. Later, he imitated the ritual, summoned the drum, and took it for himself. At night, he gathered family members, produced food, and they ate together. In their excitement, the children carried scraps into the street, where Leopard’s children saw and shared the meal. Soon Leopard himself discovered Tortoise’s feast.
Angry, Leopard confronted his neighbour: “You eat while my family starves!” Tortoise promised food the next day. True to his word, he brought the drum to Leopard’s house, where everyone feasted. But Leopard’s rough treatment of the drum soon made it cease its generosity.
Word reached King Maseni, who summoned Tortoise. Before the gathered tribes, Tortoise struck the drum, and endless food appeared. The crowd ate in amazement, but when Tortoise returned home, the drum refused to answer him. Hungry again, he sought another drum.
This time, against advice, he chose one of the talking drums. He tied it to the coconut tree, struck it, and instead of food, it released whips. They lashed him painfully. Regretful, Tortoise thought of a way to use it for revenge.
He invited Leopard and later King Maseni to gather their people in the King’s house for a grand feast. When all doors were closed, Tortoise struck the drum. Instead of food, whips flew through the air, flogging Leopard, King Maseni, and their people. Screams filled the house as the lashes cut their skin. But Tortoise had left one window open for escape. He leapt out, called off the whips, and fled with his family to the river, hiding among logs and roots.
From then on, the tortoise tribe feared Leopard’s descendants and chose to live mostly in water, safe from vengeance.
Moral Lesson
This tale teaches that greed and disobedience bring suffering. Tortoise was blessed with abundance when he listened to wise counsel, but lost everything when he chose arrogance and disobedience. His trick against Leopard and King Maseni brought only enmity, forcing his people to flee. The story reminds us that wisdom, patience, and humility are greater than cunning and deceit.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who were the main characters in “The Magic Drum”?
A: Tortoise (Kudu), Leopard (Nja), King Maseni, and the magic drum.
Q2: What triggered the search for food in the story?
A: A severe famine struck the land, leaving tribes starving.
Q3: Why was the silent drum more powerful than the talking ones?
A: Because it produced food generously, while the talking drum brought punishment through whips.
Q4: How did Leopard discover Tortoise’s secret?
A: His children saw Tortoise’s children eating and reported it.
Q5: What was the consequence of Tortoise’s trick on King Maseni and Leopard?
A: They were beaten by magical whips, leading to anger and pursuit of revenge.
Q6: Why do tortoises prefer to live in water, according to the tale?
A: To hide from the vengeance of Leopard’s descendants.
Source: Folktale from Equatorial Guinea.
