One bright morning, when the golden sun had just begun to rise and the monkeys were stretching lazily in their treetops, Kwaku Ananse the spider sat quietly on his web, thinking of ways to keep himself well-fed and entertained. Suddenly, a messenger appeared, running swiftly through the forest.
“Kwaku Ananse,” the messenger called, “His Majesty, the King of the Beasts, commands your presence along with the hare. Hurry, or he will be displeased.”
Ananse, like all the smaller creatures of the forest, feared the great lion. The very mention of the lion’s roar sent shivers through his eight legs. Without hesitation, he called for the hare, and together they traveled swiftly through the thick undergrowth until they reached the lion’s den.
The lion, stretching his golden body and yawning, regarded them with a sharp gaze. “What is Your Majesty’s command?” asked Ananse politely. “How can we, humble creatures, serve the King of the Beasts?”
“I am going on a hunt,” the lion replied, flicking his tail. “I expect you, clever Ananse, and your friend the hare to assist me. We leave at once.”
Ananse nodded, careful to appear humble. “Certainly, Your Majesty. I shall do my best, though I am but a small creature.”
The Clever Plan
They journeyed deep into the forest until they reached a clearing where game was plentiful. The bush was thick, and the animals moved stealthily among the trees. The lion sat down, stretching his claws into the earth, and said, “Now, Ananse, tell me how we should catch the animals. I am tired and wish not to exert my strength.”
Kwaku Ananse rubbed his tiny legs together thoughtfully. “Your Majesty, I have a suggestion,” he said. “If we dig deep pits and cover them with branches, you may roam around the clearing and roar loudly. The frightened animals will scatter and fall into the pits, and we shall have a plentiful catch.”
The lion purred in approval. “A fine plan. Then dig the pits while I rest.”
While the lion slept under the shade of a giant tree, Ananse and the hare worked tirelessly. Their claws and paws tore into the earth, and by evening, the pits were ready and covered with carefully arranged branches. They woke the lion and bowed. “The pits are ready, Your Majesty,” they said.
The Hunt and the Catch
The lion approached the stream to drink and then roared with all his might. The sound echoed through the forest. Birds flapped from trees in fright, monkeys shrieked from the branches, and every animal in the clearing ran for its life. Many stumbled into the hidden pits. Some were caught immediately, while others remained trapped, terrified of the mighty lion.
The lion, pleased with the success, turned to Ananse. “You have done well. Now tell me, how shall we remove the animals from the pits?”
Ananse, with a wise nod, said, “Your Majesty, we will make ropes from the forest creepers. You shall haul the animals up while we ensure the ropes hold.”
The lion tried to persuade them to pull the animals themselves, but Ananse shook his head. “We are weak, Your Majesty. It is a task worthy of the King of Beasts.” The lion relented, and soon all the animals were lifted from the pits. Meat piled high, the lion’s hunger was satisfied, yet he wanted to ensure all the forest knew of his triumph.
The Final Trick
“Now, how shall we take this meat home?” asked the lion.
“Easy, Your Majesty,” said Ananse. “The hare and I will construct a sled from branches. You may draw the meat through the forest so everyone sees your great strength and skill.”
The hare and the spider worked quickly, tying down the meat carefully. When the lion attempted to make the hare draw it, Ananse intervened once more. “Your Majesty, it is not proper for such small creatures to carry such a burden. Only you, the King of Beasts, can do this. Then all shall see it is truly yours.”
The lion, satisfied with this reasoning, drew the sled through the forest. Animals and birds watched in awe, whispering about the lion’s power, while the clever spider and hare enjoyed the fruits of their careful planning, knowing they had worked far harder than the mighty king himself.
Moral Lesson
This Ashanti folktale teaches that cleverness, strategy, and careful planning often surpass mere strength. Kwaku Ananse, though small, used his wit to guide even the mighty lion and to ensure his own safety. It also reminds us that pride and greed, as shown by the lion, can blind the strongest to the contributions of others. True wisdom comes from both cleverness and humility.
Knowledge Check
Who summoned Kwaku Ananse and the hare to the forest?
A1: The King of the Beasts, the lion, sent a messenger for them.What plan did Ananse suggest to catch the animals?
A2: He suggested digging pits and covering them with branches, then having the lion roar to scare the animals into the traps.Why did Ananse insist the lion haul the animals instead of them?
A3: He argued that they were too small and weak and that it was the lion’s task as King of Beasts.How did Ananse and the hare transport the meat?
A4: They built a sled from branches and tied the meat on it while the lion drew it home.What does this story show about strength and cleverness?
A5: That cleverness and strategy can be more powerful than brute strength.What warning does the story give about pride and greed?
A6: Pride and greed, as shown by the lion, can blind even the strongest to the wisdom and contributions of others.
Source: Ashanti folktale, Ghana
