Kalulu the Hare was known throughout the land for his tireless energy and remarkable cleverness. Unlike most animals, who often depended on nature’s whims, Kalulu took matters into his own paws. He cultivated vast gardens filled with fresh vegetables, cabbages, carrots, lettuce, turnips, and maize. He was so diligent in his work that he always had food in abundance, no matter the season. His green plots thrived with life, attracting the envy of the other animals who often wondered how he managed such success.
One warm afternoon, while Kalulu was preparing his soil for a new pumpkin patch, a towering shadow fell across his fence. It was a great Elephant, lumbering slowly along the path. His eyes, large and curious, rested on Kalulu’s ripening maize swaying gently in the breeze. The Elephant, also a vegetarian, felt his mouth water at the sight of such bounty. Controlling his hunger, he greeted Kalulu politely.
“Good afternoon, brother Kalulu,” he said with a forced smile. “Busy as always, I see?”
Kalulu nodded without looking up, still digging at the earth. “Yes, brother Elephant. It is pumpkin season, and I must plant before the rains end.”
“I see,” replied the Elephant, his voice dripping with false innocence. “You know, I am quite fond of pumpkins myself. Could you help plant some in my garden too?”
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Kalulu, wise to the ways of laziness, knew exactly what the Elephant was plotting. He was far too clever to spend his hard-earned energy working for someone else’s benefit. With a polite but firm tone, he said, “I am very busy, as you can see. But here, take my hoe and some seeds. Plant them yourself. Pumpkins grow quickly; they do not need much care.”
The Elephant accepted the hoe and seeds, but he was not made for work. He dug a few shallow holes, carelessly tossed in the seeds, and covered them with loose soil. Panting heavily, he threw the hoe aside and collapsed, his enormous body heaving from exhaustion. The seeds, left unattended, barely sprouted. Those that did were thin and frail, unlike Kalulu’s healthy vines.
Meanwhile, Kalulu’s pumpkins flourished. His garden was soon decorated with fat, golden pumpkins, round and glowing in the sun. But his joy was short-lived. One morning, he entered his patch only to find every single pumpkin gone. Shocked, he quickly guessed the thief, it could be none other than the greedy old Elephant.
Kalulu was angry but did not lose his wits. He would not accuse the Elephant openly. Instead, he planned a lesson that the great thief would never forget.
When the next crop of pumpkins ripened, Kalulu prepared his trap. He chose a large, sturdy pumpkin, cut a hole at the bottom, scooped out its flesh, and crawled inside. With him, he carried a small drum. His plan was simple: when the Elephant came to steal again, Kalulu would beat the drum from inside the pumpkin to terrify the thief.
Night fell, and Kalulu waited. The cool air made him drowsy, and before long, he drifted into sleep inside the hollow pumpkin. Suddenly, he was jolted awake by a violent shake. The pumpkin had been plucked from its vine, lifted high, and swallowed whole by the hungry Elephant.
Inside the Elephant’s dark belly, Kalulu felt trapped, but his quick mind sparked with an idea. He crawled out of the pumpkin shell, positioned himself in the beast’s stomach, and began beating his drum with all his might. Boom! Boom! Boom! The sound echoed like thunder within the Elephant’s body.
The Elephant let out a horrified cry. His massive legs stumbled as he ran in circles, groaning with pain and terror. He thought evil spirits had invaded him. Kalulu, relentless, continued to drum and jump about, making the Elephant’s suffering worse.
At last, when the Elephant was utterly exhausted, Kalulu climbed up his throat and slid out along his tusk to freedom. Breathing in the fresh night air, Kalulu grinned in triumph.
From that day on, the Elephant never touched another pumpkin. He came to believe that pumpkins caused nightmares, pain, and strange spirits to drum inside his belly. His dislike grew so strong that he avoided them altogether, leaving Kalulu in peace. The clever hare had rid himself of the greedy thief once and for all.
Moral Lesson
This tale reminds us that greed and laziness often bring ruin, while wisdom and hard work secure lasting rewards. Kalulu’s cleverness allowed him not only to protect his harvest but also to teach the Elephant that dishonesty leads to suffering. True success comes from diligence and fairness, not from stealing the labours of others.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who is Kalulu in the story?
A: Kalulu is a clever and hardworking hare known for his abundant vegetable gardens.
Q2: Why did the Elephant envy Kalulu?
A: Because Kalulu’s garden flourished with healthy crops while the Elephant’s plants withered due to laziness.
Q3: What trick did Kalulu use to punish the Elephant?
A: He hid inside a hollow pumpkin with a drum and frightened the Elephant from within after being swallowed.
Q4: What lesson does the Elephant learn in the end?
A: That greed and theft bring pain, while diligence and honesty are the true paths to reward.
Q5: What cultural origin does this folktale belong to?
A: It is a Zambian folktale from the Luchazi people.
Q6: Why is Kalulu admired in Zambian folklore?
A: For his cleverness, resourcefulness, and ability to outwit stronger but greedy animals.
Folktale Origin
Source: Kalulu the Hare and Other Zambian Folk-Tales, Luchazi folktale, Zambia.
