Long ago, before the time of warmth and light, the world of humans was covered in endless cold and darkness. The nights were long and bitter, and the days were little better, for without fire there was no comfort, no cooked food, and no protection from wild beasts. Families huddled together in caves, rubbing their hands and blowing into them, hoping for warmth that never came.
The people looked up at the mountains, for it was said that fire lived there, guarded fiercely by the mountain spirits. At night, they saw strange red flickers glowing like angry eyes at the peaks. The elders whispered that the spirits used the fire for themselves, cooking their meals, warming their halls, and keeping their caves bright. But they never shared their treasure with humankind.
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The villagers grew desperate. Children cried through the nights, hunters returned with raw meat they could not cook, and the old grew weak from the endless cold. Something had to be done. Yet who would dare climb the mountain and face the spirits?
Among the people was a child named Sorie. He was not strong like the hunters or wise like the elders, but his heart was fearless. He listened to the cries of the hungry children and felt sorrow for his people. One evening, while the village shivered under a cold wind, Sorie stood before the council. “I will go,” he declared. “I will climb the mountain and bring back fire.”
The elders gasped. “Child, you will be destroyed! The mountain spirits are fierce and merciless.” But Sorie only bowed and said, “Better I try and fail than for us all to die in darkness.”
So, at dawn, he began his journey. The climb was steep, the rocks sharp beneath his feet. The wind howled, pushing him back, as though the mountain itself tried to guard its secret. Still, Sorie pressed on, gripping vines and crawling on hands and knees. When he finally reached the top, he saw a great cave glowing red within. The air shimmered with heat, and the crackle of fire filled his ears.
Inside sat the mountain spirits, tall and fearsome, with eyes like burning coal. They laughed and feasted around a great flame that leapt high into the cave roof. The fire was more beautiful and terrifying than Sorie had imagined gold, red, and alive. He crept closer, hiding behind rocks, waiting for his moment.
The spirits were so busy in their celebration that they did not notice the small figure inching forward. With trembling hands, Sorie snatched a burning branch from the edge of the flame. At once, the fire roared louder, and the spirits turned. Their voices shook the cave. “Thief! A human dares to steal our fire!”
Sorie ran, clutching the branch to his chest. The spirits thundered after him, their footsteps shaking the ground. The wind grew fierce, and the sky darkened as they shouted curses. Down the mountain he fled, slipping on stones, his feet bleeding, but never letting go of the fire.
When he reached the village, the people rushed to meet him. The flames still burned, though smaller now. Carefully, Sorie placed the branch in the center of the village. At once, the people gathered dry wood and leaves, feeding the spark until a great fire roared before them.
For the first time, warmth spread across the land. Children laughed as they stretched their hands to the flames. Hunters roasted their meat, and the smell filled the air. The old sighed with relief, feeling strength return to their bones. That night, the village glowed with light, and no beast dared to come near.
The mountain spirits raged, but it was too late. Fire had been given to the people, and nothing could take it away. The villagers sang songs in honor of Sorie, the brave child who faced the spirits so that humanity might live.
Moral Lesson
The story of How the First Fire Came to the People teaches that courage and sacrifice can change the fate of many. Even the smallest among us can achieve greatness when their heart is filled with bravery. The tale reminds us that fire, which sustains life, was not gained easily. it was won through sacrifice and must always be respected.
Knowledge Check
What was life like for the people before fire came to them in How the First Fire Came to the People?
They lived in cold and darkness, unable to cook food or protect themselves.Who guarded the fire in the folktale How the First Fire Came to the People?
The mountain spirits kept the fire for themselves.Why did the child Sorie decide to climb the mountain in How the First Fire Came to the People?
He wanted to help his suffering people by bringing them fire.How did Sorie manage to steal the fire from the mountain spirits in How the First Fire Came to the People?
He crept into their cave unnoticed and snatched a burning branch.What happened when Sorie brought the fire back to the village in How the First Fire Came to the People?
The people built a great fire, gained warmth, cooked food, and kept beasts away.What is the main moral lesson of How the First Fire Came to the People?
That courage and sacrifice, even from the smallest person, can save an entire community.
Source: Temne folktale, Sierra Leone. Documented in Folk Stories from Sierra Leone by C. E. O. King (1913).
