Long ago, deep in the heart of the Congo, two ants of very different natures began an argument that would leave the forest creatures a timeless lesson. One was the mighty Driver-ant, large, fierce, and feared by many. The other was the Small-ant, modest in size, quiet in manner, but confident in a hidden strength. Their dispute was not over food or territory, but over something far greater: who among them was the stronger and wiser.
The Driver-ant, towering compared to his rival, was the first to boast. With a loud and proud voice, he declared, “Look at me! I am larger, my mandibles are sharper than knives, and my bite makes even men cry out in pain. Surely there can be no creature stronger than I.”
The Small-ant, unshaken by these words, replied calmly, “Yes, all that you say may be true. You are fierce, and your bite is known to cause fear. But strength is not everything. With all your power, you cannot do what I can.”
The forest grew silent. The other ants, gathered in curiosity, turned their tiny heads toward the Small-ant. “And what is that?” the Driver-ant sneered, sure that nothing the Small-ant could claim would match his might.
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The Small-ant pointed to a man resting nearby, his hand resting gently upon the earth. “You cannot cut even a piece of skin from the back of that man’s hand and drop it down here,” the Small-ant declared.
The Driver-ant laughed, his confidence brimming. “Can’t I? Watch closely, and you will see the proof of my power.”
With determination, the Driver-ant climbed swiftly up the man’s body, his sharp mandibles gleaming in the sun. Reaching the back of the man’s hand, he wasted no time. With all his strength, he bit into the skin. But before he could boast of victory, the man flinched from the sting, looked down, and spotted the large intruder. With a quick motion, the man plucked the Driver-ant from his hand and tossed him to the ground. The great warrior lay lifeless at the feet of his companions, his boasting silenced forever.
The other ants gasped. The Small-ant, however, remained calm. Without hesitation, he made his way up the man’s arm with careful, deliberate steps. Unlike the Driver-ant, he did not rush or attack. Instead, he moved softly, quietly, so the man did not even notice his presence. Once on the back of the hand, the Small-ant circled slowly, working patiently and gently. With great care, he loosened a tiny piece of skin. He did not bite fiercely or recklessly. Rather, he worked with precision, until at last the piece came free.
With a final effort, the Small-ant carried the fragment and dropped it gently to the ground. The crowd of ants erupted in cheer. The Small-ant had accomplished what the mighty Driver-ant could not.
The lesson was clear. True strength is not always found in force, size, or fierceness. Sometimes, patience, gentleness, and persistence achieve far more than reckless displays of power.
Moral Lesson
This folktale reminds us that wisdom and patience often triumph where brute force fails. The Driver-ant, though powerful, was undone by his arrogance and harshness, while the Small-ant succeeded through quiet determination and care. In life, strength without wisdom can lead to downfall, but gentleness and persistence open doors to success.
It teaches us to value not only the obvious might of power, but also the subtler qualities of patience, humility, and skill. The Small-ant shows that greatness is not always loud and fearsome—it can also be found in quiet resilience.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who were the two main characters in the story?
The Driver-ant and the Small-ant.
Q2: What challenge did the Small-ant propose?
To cut a piece of skin from the back of a man’s hand and drop it to the ground.
Q3: Why did the Driver-ant fail?
He attacked fiercely, which caused the man to notice him and throw him down.
Q4: How did the Small-ant succeed where the Driver-ant failed?
Through patience, gentleness, and careful persistence.
Q5: What is the main moral of the story?
Patience and wisdom are often more effective than brute strength.
Q6: What is the cultural origin of this folktale?
This folktale originates from Congo.
Folktale Origin
Source: A traditional folktale from the Bakongo (Kongo) people of Congo, preserved through oral storytelling traditions.
