Long ago, when animals lived as people and spoke with voices full of pride, Leopard was the fiercest hunter in the forest. His golden coat was marked with black rosettes that glimmered whenever sunlight touched his back, and his roar echoed through valleys like distant thunder. Every animal feared him, and many admired him from a distance. Yet despite his power, Leopard carried an emptiness in his heart. He longed for a wife, a companion to share his den and raise cubs by his side.
One morning, Leopard stood before his companions and declared, “I will journey to a faraway village to claim a bride. No chief will deny me, for I am strong and unmatched.” His words were bold, and his confidence filled the air like the beating of war drums. Several animals decided to join him on the road. Tortoise, slow but wise, prepared himself patiently. Goat, ever boastful, bleated that he would not be left behind. Dog, sharp-toothed and cunning, trotted eagerly at Leopard’s side. Above them flew noisy Parrot, restless and eager to witness whatever might unfold.
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Together they set off, Leopard marching proudly in front while the others trailed behind. He carried himself like a king, his steps firm, his tail swishing with authority. The forest echoed with the sound of their journey, but the road to marriage is never simple, and soon the path tested each of them.
Their first trial came at a wide river, its water foaming and surging over hidden rocks. The river roared like a beast as it tore past them. Leopard crouched, gathered his strength, and sprang, landing gracefully on the far bank. Goat trembled, hooves clattering nervously, but with a frightened bleat he leapt and landed hard on the other side. Dog did not hesitate; he plunged into the current, paws slicing the water as he swam with strong strokes. Parrot, flapping furiously, circled above and screeched encouragement from the air.
Only Tortoise hesitated. The rushing water pulled at his shell, tossing him round and round until finally he crawled out, exhausted but alive, on the far shore. Leopard laughed, his teeth gleaming in the sun. “You are too slow, Tortoise! You should never have come.” Goat bleated in agreement and Dog barked mockingly, but Tortoise shook the water from his shell and replied calmly, “A journey is not finished until every traveler has arrived.” His words lingered in the air, but Leopard, blinded by pride, brushed them aside.
Days passed and hunger pressed on them. Stomachs growled and spirits weakened. Leopard, with speed and skill, leapt into the brush and caught a fine antelope. He devoured the best parts greedily, licking his paws with satisfaction, and tossed only bones and scraps toward his companions. Goat complained bitterly, Dog growled in frustration, and Parrot shrieked, “Selfish, selfish!” Tortoise said nothing, though his wise eyes saw clearly. He knew a leader who feeds only himself cannot keep loyal followers for long. Leopard ignored their anger and strode forward, belly full, while the others dragged their feet behind.
At last, they reached the village where Leopard hoped to find his bride. The place was alive with sound. Drums pounded, voices rose in song, and the air smelled of roasted fish and sweet palm wine. The villagers came out to greet the visitors, their eyes widening at the sight of Leopard. His coat shimmered like gold in the sun, and his muscles rippled with strength. The chief himself bowed slightly and welcomed Leopard, offering mats to rest upon and food to eat.
Yet as the feast began, Leopard’s pride grew heavier. He demanded the choicest food and pushed aside lesser dishes. He stretched himself on the softest mats and expected everyone to serve him quickly. He boasted of his great hunts, telling stories of antelope chased and buffalo conquered. His voice filled the evening, leaving little space for others to speak. The chief’s daughter, for whom Leopard had come, listened in silence, her brow furrowed.
Meanwhile, the villagers noticed Tortoise. Though slow, he spoke with gentle words and listened with patience. He shared his small portion of food with children and laughed humbly when teased. Goat bleated noisily and Dog barked for scraps, but it was Tortoise’s calm and generous spirit that drew people closer. Even Parrot, who loved to repeat gossip, began praising Tortoise’s kindness in loud squawks.
At last, the time came for the bride to choose. The villagers gathered, waiting to see which suitor she would accept. Leopard stood tall, his golden coat gleaming, certain of victory. Tortoise stood quietly at the edge, unnoticed by many, yet steady and unafraid. To everyone’s surprise, the young woman stepped forward, looked past Leopard’s glittering coat, and laid her hand gently on Tortoise.
Gasps filled the air. Leopard’s roar shook the ground. “How can you choose this weak, crawling creature over me?” he thundered. The young woman answered calmly, her eyes steady, “A husband must walk beside his wife with patience and care. Tortoise may be slow, but he waits for his companions and shares what little he has. You, Leopard, race ahead and think only of yourself. I will not marry pride, for it cannot build a home.”
Leopard burned with shame and fury. His tail lashed the earth, and his eyes blazed, but there was no argument he could win. With a final roar, he stormed from the village. His companions followed him, though their faith in him was broken. From that day forward, Leopard remained powerful, feared, and strong, yet he lived alone in the shadows of the forest. Tortoise, though humble, was honored among the Benga people as an example of wisdom, patience, and humility.
Moral Lesson :
The story of Leopard’s Marriage Journey teaches that true strength is not found in power, speed, or outward beauty but in patience, kindness, and humility. Pride blinds even the strongest, while wisdom and gentleness win lasting respect.
Knowledge Check:
What was Leopard seeking when he set out on his journey in this Benga folktale?
Leopard sought a wife from a distant village, believing his strength would secure a bride.Which animals accompanied Leopard on his journey, and what did they represent?
Tortoise, Goat, Dog, and Parrot joined him, each reflecting qualities such as wisdom, boastfulness, cunning, and restlessness.What challenge tested the animals at the river crossing?
They had to cross a rushing river, where Leopard leapt easily, but Tortoise nearly drowned before reaching the other side.How did Leopard treat his companions after hunting an antelope?
Leopard kept the best parts for himself and threw only scraps to his companions, showing selfishness and arrogance.Why did the chief’s daughter choose Tortoise over Leopard?
She chose Tortoise because he showed patience, kindness, and humility, while Leopard displayed only pride and selfishness.What is the main moral lesson of Leopard’s Marriage Journey?
The tale teaches that humility and patience matter more than pride or physical strength in building lasting relationships.
Source: Benga folktale, Corisco Island, Equatorial Guinea (recorded by Robert H. Nassau, 1914).
