Once upon a time, when the world was young, the sky was peaceful and bright. In those early days, the Sun and the Moon were the closest of companions. They lived side by side, and their light blended together in harmony. Wherever they went, joy followed. The earth below bloomed with plenty, the rivers sparkled with life, and the people of the world looked up with gratitude at the skies above.
The Sun was fiery and bold, always eager to shine with strength. The Moon was calm and gentle, offering cool light to balance the Sun’s heat. Together they made a perfect pair. The animals of the forest sang songs in their honor, and the people told stories of their friendship.
One day, the Sun invited the Moon to a grand feast in his fiery palace. “Come, my friend,” said the Sun, “let us share a meal and strengthen our bond.” The Moon accepted with joy, for he trusted the Sun completely. Yet what the Moon did not know was that the Sun had secretly prepared a trick. He wanted the feast for himself, to enjoy the praise and the glory without sharing.
When the day of the feast arrived, the Sun welcomed the Moon with smiles and music. But when the food was served, the Sun used his burning heat to spoil the Moon’s portion. The Moon could not eat, while the Sun feasted heartily on roasted yam, sweet palm wine, and tender meat. The Moon sat in silence, her heart heavy with betrayal.
At last she spoke. “Friend Sun, why have you done this? Did we not promise to walk together in unity?” But the Sun laughed loudly, his flames crackling with pride. “I am the brighter one. The sky belongs to me. You are but a pale shadow beside my greatness.”
The Moon’s face darkened with sorrow. She left the feast and returned to her cool dwelling in the night. From that day forward, the friendship between Sun and Moon was broken. They no longer walked together in the sky. Instead, the Sun ruled the day, blazing with fiery pride, while the Moon ruled the night, shining gently in solitude.
Sometimes, in rare moments, they cross paths during an eclipse. When that happens, the people say it is the Sun and the Moon meeting again, quarreling over the past, and reminding the world of the danger of betrayal.
The people looked up and learned an important lesson: once trust is broken, harmony is lost. That is why even today, the Sun and the Moon never share the sky as they once did in the beginning.
Moral Lesson of How the Sun and Moon Became Enemies
Betrayal destroys harmony. The story of the Sun and the Moon reminds us that trust is the foundation of friendship. Once it is broken, even the strongest bond can turn into lasting separation. To live in peace, we must honor loyalty and respect in all our relationships.
Knowledge Check
What is the title of the Igbo folktale that explains the quarrel of the skies?
The title is How the Sun and Moon Became Enemies.Why were the Sun and the Moon once considered perfect companions?
They balanced each other, with the Sun bringing warmth and light while the Moon gave coolness and calmness.What caused the quarrel between the Sun and the Moon in the story?
The Sun betrayed the Moon by ruining her food at the feast and declaring himself the greater one.What lesson does the separation of Sun and Moon symbolize?
It symbolizes that betrayal destroys trust and leads to lasting separation.How do people explain the rare moments when Sun and Moon appear together during an eclipse?
They say it is the Sun and Moon meeting again, quarreling over their betrayal from long ago.What moral lesson can we apply from How the Sun and Moon Became Enemies to our own lives?
We should value trust, remain loyal in our friendships, and avoid betrayal, as it brings conflict and division.
Cultural Origin: This folktale comes from the Igbo people of Nigeria, who often use storytelling to explain natural events and teach moral lessons.
