In a quiet Lozi village in Zambia, long ago, lived two men who were not only brothers-in-law but also skilled artisans. One was a blacksmith, strong and practiced in the art of forging spears, axes, and arrows from iron. The other was a carpenter, deft with wood and tools, shaping household treasures for the people. They lived peacefully with their wives, who were sisters, until one fateful night when a herd of elephants came trumpeting near the village.
The sound of the elephants stirred great excitement. The carpenter’s wife, eager for her husband to prove his bravery, urged him:
“Go into the bush, husband. Hunt one of those mighty elephants. Bring us meat, and show your strength.”
Though hesitant, the carpenter agreed. He went to his brother-in-law, the blacksmith, and asked to borrow a spear. The blacksmith, proud of his craftsmanship, handed over a finely forged weapon. With it in hand, the carpenter set out into the dense bush under the cover of night.
He pursued the elephants tirelessly until he found one. Gathering his strength, he hurled the spear into its thigh. The great animal cried out, trumpeted in pain, and fled deep into the wilderness with the weapon lodged in its flesh. The carpenter chased as far as he could, but the beast vanished. Exhausted and disheartened, he returned home empty-handed.
The next morning, the blacksmith came to ask for his spear. When he learned it had been lost with the wounded elephant, he grew furious.
“I want my spear, not another one. Return the very weapon I lent you!”
Reluctantly, the carpenter set out again, this time with his loyal dog by his side. He searched for nine days and nine nights, sleeping in the branches of trees, following trails, and calling out for signs of the wounded elephant. On the tenth day, he finally encountered a herd. He begged them:
“O mighty elephants, can any of you tell me where the wounded one has gone?”
One elephant stepped forward and said, “He has gone to the underworld, carrying the spear that could not be removed.”
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Desperate, the carpenter pleaded, “Show me the way to that world.”
The elephant instructed him: “Travel south, climb three hills, cross three great rivers, and you will find the path.”
Obediently, the carpenter journeyed on. He climbed the three hills, crossed the mighty rivers, and after forty days and forty nights, following the footprints of the wounded beast, he descended into the underworld.
There, he approached the Chief of the Underworld. After exchanging greetings, the carpenter asked:
“My lord, has a wounded elephant with a spear in its body come here?”
The Chief nodded but first served him food and water. After the carpenter and his dog had eaten, the Chief said:
“Yes, such an elephant came, carrying a spear. You may search for it among my armoury. But know this: the spears are many, all rusted and alike. If you can find your own, it is yours.”
The carpenter entered the armoury, bewildered by the countless spears lining the walls. Every one looked the same. He was near despair when his dog, sensing his struggle, began to sniff each weapon. After careful searching, the faithful animal pulled one spear from the wall and dropped it at his master’s feet.
Overjoyed, the carpenter bowed before the Chief and said, “O ruler of the underworld, I have found the spear.”
The Chief, amazed by the skill of man and dog, declared:
“You are truly clever, and your dog is wise as well. Ask for any reward, and it shall be yours.”
The carpenter thought long and hard. He had suffered much on the journey, darkness, endless wandering, and fire that burned eternally in the underworld. At last, he said:
“My lord, may I have some of this fire to take back with me?”
The Chief agreed at once. “Take it, and keep it forever. Use it for yourself and for your people.” He commanded his messenger to deliver fire to the carpenter.
With the fire, the recovered spear, and his faithful dog, the carpenter returned home. His people hardly recognized him after such a long absence, but when he presented the blacksmith’s spear, they rejoiced. He then revealed the greater gift he had brought, the fire of the underworld.
The villagers were overjoyed. They celebrated his courage, honoured his dog, and welcomed the blessing of fire that would warm their homes, cook their food, and protect them from the dark. Even the village Chief came to greet the carpenter, praising him for his bravery. The blacksmith received his spear, but the true gift was the fire, which belonged to all.
Moral Lesson
This Lozi folktale teaches the value of perseverance, loyalty, and wisdom. The carpenter’s determination, coupled with the loyalty of his dog, allowed him to achieve what seemed impossible. It also reminds us that courage alone is not enough; he must use intelligence and humility to earn lasting rewards. The story explains the origin of fire among humankind, showing that great gifts come through endurance and sacrifice.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who were the two brothers-in-law in the story?
A carpenter and a blacksmith.
Q2: Why did the carpenter borrow a spear?
To hunt an elephant after being urged by his wife.
Q3: What role did the dog play in the story?
The dog identified the correct spear in the Underworld armoury.
Q4: What was the carpenter’s reward from the Chief of the Underworld?
He was given the gift of fire.
Q5: What cultural lesson does the story explain?
It explains how fire came to humans, symbolizing resilience and wisdom.
Q6: Which ethnic group does this folktale belong to?
The Lozi people of Zambia.
Folktale Origin
Source: Lozi folktales, Folktales of Zambia by Chiman L. Vyas (1969), Zambia.
