It is often said: “Hard work and humility earn respect; respect can lead to pride; and pride, in turn, brings downfall.” These words proved true in the life of Kalulu, the clever hare of Zambian folklore. Known far and wide for his cunning mind and tireless work ethic, Kalulu earned the admiration of the forest animals. Yet the more praise he received, the more arrogance began to swell within him. Boasting of his speed and sharp judgment, he mocked others, often singling out the old Tortoise for ridicule.
Kalulu called the Tortoise a slogger, a plodder, and a slow crawler. He bragged of his own agility, laughing at the Tortoise’s heavy shell and deliberate steps. The insults cut deep. Though Tortoise rarely showed anger, his heart burned with determination to teach Kalulu a lasting lesson in humility.
For days he thought of a plan. Finally, he approached Kalulu. “Young Kalulu,” said the Tortoise, his voice calm but firm, “you call me slow and mock my steps. Let us settle the matter. Would you race me and see whose speed truly counts?”
Kalulu burst into laughter. “A race? Between us? Everyone knows I will win before we even begin!” he jeered.
“All the same,” replied the Tortoise, “let us run for fun. The race shall be six milestones long. If you are so sure of victory, you have nothing to lose.”
Amused by what he saw as the stubbornness of an old fool, Kalulu agreed. The date was fixed, and the path was marked with six stones.
But the Tortoise had no intention of relying on speed alone. Quietly, he gathered his family, sons, brothers, uncles, and cousins. From among them, he chose five who looked most like him. He placed each one at a milestone along the track, from the second stone onward. They were to wait hidden until Kalulu arrived, then appear as though they had outrun him.
When the day of the race dawned, the animals gathered in eager anticipation. At the first milestone, Kalulu and the old Tortoise took their positions. At the shout to begin, the hare shot forward like an arrow, his powerful legs carrying him swiftly to the second stone.
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But there, waiting with a calm smile, stood a Tortoise. “So far, I am leading,” said the reptile, as if he had been resting for some time.
Kalulu froze in disbelief. “This cannot be!” he thought. Yet, hiding his shock, he muttered, “Four more stones to go,” and dashed ahead even faster.
At the third milestone, the same surprise awaited him. Another Tortoise emerged, unruffled. “You cannot beat me,” he said coolly. “I have been here before you.”
Kalulu’s long ears twitched with frustration. Sweat trickled down his fur. “I must be going mad,” he thought, “or my eyes are deceiving me.” Still, he raced on.
At the fourth stone, another Tortoise appeared. At the fifth, yet another greeted him with a teasing smile. Each time, Kalulu’s confidence crumbled further. Anger boiled in his chest. His legs ached, but pride drove him faster. “I will win this race, even if it kills me!” he growled, gritting his teeth.
At last, he reached the sixth and final milestone, panting heavily, his chest heaving. To his horror, there stood the old Tortoise himself, grinning broadly. His shell gleamed as if polished, and his tired feet had been rubbed clean of thorns.
“I thought you would never arrive,” said the Tortoise mockingly. “I grew weary of waiting for you.”
Kalulu’s heart sank. To him, it seemed as though the same Tortoise had outrun him again and again. Humiliation washed over him like a flood. His ears drooped, and he could not meet the eyes of the crowd. Without another word, he turned and slunk away to hide in his burrow.
That night, curled up in shame, Kalulu wished he had never boasted, never mocked the old Tortoise, and never brought such disgrace upon himself. From that day forward, he stopped teasing others. He had learned that even those who appear weak or humble may carry hidden strengths, and wisdom lies in respecting all creatures, no matter how small or slow they seem.
Moral Lesson
This story teaches the timeless truth that pride leads to downfall. Kalulu’s arrogance blinded him, while Tortoise’s quiet planning secured victory. Strength and speed may impress, but strategy, patience, and humility endure. The tale also reminds us never to underestimate others, everyone has talents that may not be visible until the right moment.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Why did Kalulu mock the Tortoise?
A: Because of the Tortoise’s slowness, while boasting of his own speed and cleverness.
Q2: What challenge did the Tortoise give Kalulu?
A: A race of six milestones to prove who was faster.
Q3: How did the Tortoise manage to outwit Kalulu?
A: By placing five look-alike relatives at each milestone to appear ahead of Kalulu.
Q4: What was Kalulu’s greatest mistake during the race?
A: Allowing his pride and anger to blind him, underestimating the Tortoise’s plan.
Q5: What lesson does this folktale teach?
A: That arrogance leads to shame, while humility and strategy win respect.
Q6: What is the cultural origin of this story?
A: A Zambian folktale from the Luchazi people.
Folktale Origin Source: Kalulu the Hare and Other Zambian Folk-Tales, Luchazi folktale, Zambia.
