Long ago, in the quiet villages of Sierra Leone, when nights were calm and the stars stretched endlessly across the dark sky, the creatures of the world lived side by side. Among them was Spider, small in size yet great in confidence. No one in the animal kingdom could deny his cleverness. He was quick with his words, cunning in his tricks, and always eager to boast about his intelligence.
Spider would often gather the smaller creatures around him, spinning endless tales of his victories. He bragged about how he once fooled Elephant, how he tricked Tortoise, and how no bird or beast could outwit him. His words filled the night like a drumbeat, and though many grew tired of his pride, few dared to challenge him.
But Spider’s pride grew heavier with each passing day. Soon, he stopped comparing himself to animals. He began to speak of greater things, of the sky, the stars, and finally, the shining face of the Moon.
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“Look at her,” Spider said one night as he stared upward. “She floats high above us, glowing with her borrowed light. But I, Spider, have the real wisdom. I am brighter than the Moon, and I will prove it.”
The animals gasped. To challenge the Moon was no small matter. She had watched over the earth since the beginning, casting her silver light upon rivers, hills, and forests. She guided hunters in the night, calmed mothers with her glow, and reminded people of the balance of the world.
Still, Spider would not be silent. “I will challenge her,” he declared. “We shall see who holds more power, my wisdom or her light.”
That very night, Spider climbed to the top of the tallest tree. From there, he shouted his challenge into the heavens. “Moon! Come and face me. Let us see who is greater!”
The Moon, serene and calm in her glow, looked down upon the tiny creature. She did not speak at first. The animals watched in silence, their hearts trembling. At last, the Moon’s voice echoed softly, like a song carried on the wind.
“Spider, you are clever, yes. But wisdom without humility is empty. Why do you boast against me, who shines not for pride but for service? I give light to those who walk in the night. What do you give?”
Spider laughed, his eight legs trembling with excitement. “I give tricks, I give knowledge, and I weave stories that outlast the night. I am greater than you, Moon. Your light is nothing beside my wisdom!”
The Moon grew quiet again, and then she answered with calm strength. “Very well, Spider. If you claim to be greater, then let your works be seen in the day as mine are seen. From this day forward, your weaving shall no longer be honored by the light of the sun. You shall spin only in darkness, and men shall brush aside your work when the morning comes.”
A hush fell over the forest. The animals looked at one another in awe. Spider froze, realizing what had been decreed. His pride turned to shame.
From that night onward, Spider did as the Moon commanded. He spun his webs in the dark, building them silently under the cover of night. When dawn arrived, the sunlight revealed his fragile threads, and people swept them away without care. No matter how fine or clever his designs, they were destroyed with each new day.
Spider learned too late the cost of his pride. Though he remained clever, he never again dared to boast against the Moon. Her glow continued to shine on, calm and steady, while Spider lived in the shadows, weaving his webs where the night could hide them.
Moral Lesson
This Temne folktale reminds us that pride leads to downfall. True wisdom shines not through boasting but through service and humility. Spider’s punishment shows that arrogance can turn even great gifts into sources of shame.
Knowledge Check
What is the main reason Spider challenged the Moon in the folktale?
Spider’s pride and constant boasting led him to believe he was greater than the Moon.What lesson does the Temne folktale teach about wisdom?
It teaches that wisdom without humility is empty and can lead to punishment.Why did the Moon punish Spider in the story?
The Moon punished Spider for boasting and disrespect, forcing him to spin webs only in the night.How did the animals react to Spider’s challenge against the Moon?
They were shocked and fearful, understanding the Moon’s great power.What is the significance of Spider weaving only at night in the story?
It symbolizes his shame and the lasting consequence of his pride.What cultural value from the Temne people does this folktale highlight?
It highlights the importance of humility, respect for higher powers, and living in harmony with others.
Source: Temne folktale, Sierra Leone. Documented by S. A. Banah in Temne Stories (1930).
