In the land of the Mpongwe people of Gabon, there lived Tortoise, a creature admired for his cleverness but often distrusted for his sly ways. He was known throughout the forest for speaking smoothly and making promises that pleased others. Yet, those who knew him well often wondered if his words matched his actions.
One season, the rains failed, and the land grew dry. Streams shrank to trickles, and food became scarce. The animals gathered to discuss how they would survive. They looked to one another for help and comfort, for in times of hardship the forest relied on unity. Tortoise stood before them and spoke with confidence. “Friends,” he said, “if I come upon food, I will not keep it for myself. I will share it with each of you. You have my word.” His voice was warm and convincing, and the animals trusted him.
Days later, while searching far from the village, Tortoise discovered a hidden field where yams grew in abundance. The earth was rich, and the tubers were large and sweet. His eyes widened with delight, and his stomach growled. At first, he remembered his promise. Yet as he filled his basket, greed whispered to his heart. “Why should I share?” he thought. “I am the one who found this treasure. If the others know, the food will vanish quickly. Better to keep it for myself.”
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So Tortoise returned quietly to his home and ate in secret. Night after night, he feasted on roasted yams while his neighbors went hungry. When others asked if he had found anything, he shook his head and sighed. “Nothing but dry soil and stones,” he said with false sorrow. The animals believed him and struggled on.
But secrets in the forest cannot remain hidden for long. One evening, Rabbit passed near Tortoise’s hut and smelled the sweet aroma of roasting yams. His nose twitched, and curiosity led him closer. Peeking through a crack, Rabbit saw Tortoise eating greedily, his mouth full and his shell surrounded by yam skins. Rabbit’s eyes widened in shock. Quietly, he hurried back to tell the others.
The next morning, the animals gathered and confronted Tortoise. “You promised to share whatever you found,” said Antelope. “Yet you have been feeding yourself while we suffer.” Monkey added, “Your words were smooth, but your actions have betrayed us.” Tortoise tried to defend himself. “I worked hard to find that field,” he said. “I deserved to enjoy the harvest.”
But the elders shook their heads. Leopard, who had listened silently, finally spoke. “A promise is a bond. To break it is to break trust, and without trust, there can be no community.” The animals agreed, and together they turned their backs on Tortoise. From that day, he was left out of their gatherings. No one invited him to feasts, no one trusted his words, and he sat alone, regretting his choice.
Though Tortoise continued to eat his yams, the joy was gone. The taste of food shared in secret could not fill the emptiness of a lonely heart. In time, he realized that the gift of friendship and trust was worth far more than the harvest he had hidden.
Moral Lesson
The story of The Broken Promise teaches that honesty builds the foundation of trust, while deceit tears it down. A promise is not just words; it is a commitment that binds people together in unity. When promises are broken, even the cleverest words cannot repair the loss of trust. True joy comes not from selfish gain but from the strength of community and loyalty.
Knowledge Check
What promise did Tortoise make to the other animals?
He promised to share any food he found during the time of hunger.What food did Tortoise secretly discover in the forest?
He found a hidden field full of yams.Why did Tortoise decide to keep the food to himself?
He grew greedy and thought it was unfair to share what he had found.Who discovered Tortoise’s secret feasting?
Rabbit discovered him roasting and eating yams in secret.How did the animals punish Tortoise for breaking his promise?
They turned their backs on him, excluded him from gatherings, and no longer trusted his words.What key lesson does this Gabonese folktale teach?
It teaches the importance of honesty, keeping promises, and valuing community trust over selfish gain.
Cultural Origin: Gabonese folktale (Mpongwe Tribe), recorded by Robert H. Nassau in Where Animals Talk: West African Folklore Tales (1914).
