Nianga dia Ngenga rose early one morning, took up his gun, and declared with determination, “I will go a-hunting.” With steady steps he walked into the vast Angolan bush. The trees stood tall and silent, their leaves whispering in the morning wind, but though he searched long and far, no game appeared before him. His heart grew weary, and he sighed to himself, “I will go home.”
On his return, Nianga came upon a strange sight. In the fork of a great tree, stuck fast and struggling, was none other than Mr. Leopard. The powerful beast’s golden coat, marked with dark spots, looked ragged, and his eyes were wide with desperation. When he saw Nianga, he cried out in a pleading voice, “Father Nianga, help me down!”
Startled, Nianga asked, “Who has done this to you?”
Leopard groaned and answered, “First release me from this tree, then I shall tell you.”
Moved by compassion, Nianga lifted him down and set him gently upon the ground. Leopard stretched his limbs with relief and said, “It was Elephant who trapped me in that fork. Sir, to him who gives life, one should give more. I have been stuck in that tree for two days without food. Please, give me something to eat.”
READ THIS: The Man and the Turtle: An Angolan Folktale
Nianga frowned. “Where shall I find food for you here?”
Leopard’s eyes gleamed hungrily. “Anywhere,” he replied.
With a heavy heart, Nianga took up one of his loyal hunting dogs and offered it to Leopard. The beast devoured it swiftly, licking his jaws, then declared, “I am not satisfied.”
Reluctantly, Nianga gave his second dog. Leopard ate greedily and still complained, “I am not satisfied.”
Growing anxious, Nianga searched his belongings. He took his cartridge-box and handed it to Leopard. The beast swallowed even that and yet declared, “Still, I have not enough.”
At that moment Hare appeared, hopping lightly into the clearing. His keen eyes noticed the tension between Nianga and Leopard. “Why are you quarrelling?” Hare asked, twitching his ears.
Nianga explained bitterly, “I found Mr. Leopard stuck in the fork of a tree. He begged me to free him, and I did. He then asked for food, so I gave him both my dogs and even my cartridge-box. Still, he says he is not satisfied. That is why we quarrel.”
Hare, ever the clever one, turned to Leopard. “If you were truly in the tree as Nianga says, then let us see it again. Climb back into the fork where you were caught, so that I may understand.”
Without suspicion, Leopard leapt back into the tree’s fork and wedged himself there once more. “See, this is how it was,” he said.
Hare nodded and stepped away, beckoning Nianga to follow. When they were at a safe distance, Hare whispered, “Nianga, you are unwise. Leopard is no gentle creature, he is a wild beast, and it is his nature to catch and devour people. You who freed him, he intended to eat. Now that he is trapped again, take your gun and shoot him.”
Realization dawned on Nianga. He raised his gun, aimed carefully, and with one shot ended Leopard’s deceit forever.
And so, the matter came to its close. As the elders say, the end is with God.
Moral Lesson
This tale teaches that kindness must walk hand in hand with wisdom. Nianga’s compassion led him to free Leopard, yet the beast’s greed nearly cost him his life. Hare’s wisdom revealed the danger, reminding us that trust should be tempered with caution.
The story warns us that those who show ingratitude and deceit will ultimately meet justice, while those who listen to wise counsel will be spared from harm.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who went hunting in the bush at the beginning of the story?
A1: Nianga dia Ngenga went hunting with his gun.
Q2: Where did Nianga first find Leopard?
A2: Stuck in the fork of a tree.
Q3: What did Nianga give Leopard to eat?
A3: Both of his dogs and his cartridge-box.
Q4: Who appeared and helped Nianga realize the danger?
A4: Hare, who advised him wisely.
Q5: What was Leopard’s true intention after being freed?
A5: He wanted to devour Nianga.
Q6: What is the main lesson of this Kimbundu folktale?
A6: Show kindness with wisdom, and beware of ingratitude and deceit.
Source: Kimbundu folktale, Angola.
Original text from Folktales of Angola (Heli Chatelain, 1894), Smithsonian Digital Library.
