Once upon a time, in the villages of Congo, there lived two remarkable friends: the Civet and the Tortoise. Though they resided in different towns, their bond was admired by all. Neighbours often spoke of their kindness to each other, for no matter the season or circumstance, they stood by one another during sickness and hardship. Their friendship was considered unshakable, as steady as the river that never ceased to flow.
One day, joyous news spread, Tortoise had given birth to a child. True to custom, the Civet prepared to make a visit, bringing warmth and blessings for her dear friend. She journeyed along the winding paths until she reached the crossroads between their towns. There, unexpectedly, she encountered the Monkey, who greeted her with sly curiosity.
“Where are you heading, Civet?” the Monkey inquired.
“I am going to visit my friend, the Tortoise,” Civet replied with cheer. “She has given birth, and I wish to see her child.”
But Monkey leaned closer, his tone sharp and troubling. “Do not go. The Tortoise’s child is gravely ill. The medicine man has declared that the only cure is the very tip of your tail, to make a charm for healing. If you step into her town, beware, you may lose what is most precious to you.”
READ: The Water-Fairies Who Saved Yakob: A Congolese Folktale
The Civet’s joy quickly turned to outrage and fear. “How dare she wish harm upon me?” she thought, her heart pounding. Without a word, she turned back and returned home, deeply insulted and saddened. From that day, resentment grew. Tortoise, unaware of the encounter, was left wounded by Civet’s absence. As her child grew, she often wondered why her closest companion never came to share in her joy.
Years passed, and one day the Tortoise heard the news that Civet herself had given birth. Despite the bitterness she still felt from her friend’s neglect, Tortoise said to herself: “Though Civet never came to me, I shall not repay neglect with neglect. True friendship forgives.” With determination, she set out to visit her friend.
At the same familiar crossroads, the Monkey once again appeared. He stopped her and asked, “Tortoise, where are you going?”
“To Civet’s home,” Tortoise replied. “She has had a child, and I am going to share her joy.”
Monkey sneered. “Then you are truly foolish. Civet’s child is very ill. The medicine man has told her there is only one remedy, the shell of a Tortoise. If you walk further, you risk your very life.”
The Tortoise froze in disbelief. Her shell, the very essence of her being, demanded as a charm? Terror filled her heart, and without daring to continue, she returned to her home in silence, carrying both grief and mistrust.
For many years, neither friend visited the other. Their once inseparable bond seemed shattered beyond repair.
It was not until the funeral of a mutual friend that fate brought them together again. In the gathering of mourners, they saw one another from across the courtyard. Their eyes met, but instead of warmth, there was a storm of cold silence. They frowned, each thinking of betrayal, and turned away.
As the days of mourning drew to a close, the elders of the community noticed the heaviness between them. Summoning both the Civet and the Tortoise, the elders listened as each poured out her heart. The Civet explained how she had been told that her tail was to be taken for Tortoise’s child. The Tortoise shared how she had heard that her shell was needed to heal Civet’s baby.
The elders nodded in understanding and declared: “Both of you have been deceived. The Monkey’s mischief has turned love into suspicion. True friends do not trust the words of outsiders above the bond they share. From this day forth, if ever you hear troubling words about one another, do not keep them in your heart. Go directly to your friend and speak, for trust is strengthened by truth, not silence.”
Hearing this wisdom, the Civet and the Tortoise embraced, their tears washing away years of sorrow. From that day on, they rebuilt their bond, stronger than before, and remained faithful friends until the end of their lives.
Moral Lesson
This story teaches that trust and open communication are the foundation of any true friendship. Rumours and deceit can easily sow discord if left unchallenged, but honesty and dialogue can heal even the deepest wounds. The folktale reminds us never to let suspicion rule over love, for misunderstanding can destroy what years of loyalty have built.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who were the main friends in this Congolese folktale?
A1: The Civet and the Tortoise, known for their loyal friendship.
Q2: Who deceived the Civet and the Tortoise, causing their rift?
A2: The Monkey, who spread lies at the crossroads.
Q3: What false tale did the Monkey tell the Civet?
A3: That Tortoise’s child needed the tip of Civet’s tail as a cure.
Q4: What false tale did the Monkey tell the Tortoise?
A4: That Civet’s child required Tortoise’s shell as a healing charm.
Q5: How did the elders resolve the conflict?
A5: They advised the friends to speak directly to each other instead of believing rumors.
Q6: What cultural lesson does the folktale emphasize?
A6: It highlights the Congolese value of reconciliation, dialogue, and unity in friendship.
Source: Congolese folktale, Congo.
