In a peaceful Wolof village along the winding rivers of Senegal, the morning sun spilled golden light over palm trees and tall grasses. Villagers began their day, carrying baskets of grain to the clearing where they would pound it into flour. Birds sang in the trees, and the soft ripple of the river provided a calming backdrop. Near the village, animals lived quietly, observing the humans as they worked. Among them were Hare and Hyena, two creatures known far and wide for their very different ways. Hare was clever and careful, always thinking ahead and planning his work. Hyena was impatient and greedy, always eager to gain without putting in the proper effort.
That morning, both animals decided they needed mortars for pounding grain. Hare chose a solid log, sturdy and reliable. With patience, he carved a deep, smooth mortar. Every stroke of his knife was precise, and he worked slowly, ensuring the mortar could withstand heavy use. Sweat dotted his fur, but Hare did not hurry. He paused often, checking the depth and strength of the wood. When he finally finished, the mortar was perfect, deep, smooth, and solid. Hare smiled, proud of his work, knowing it would serve him well for many seasons.
Hyena, however, was not as patient. She chose a random log and began carving quickly, laughing and boasting as she worked. Cracks formed almost immediately in the wood, but she ignored them. “I will finish faster than Hare,” she shouted, “and everyone will see that I am the best!” She pounded and scraped the log with haste, caring little about its quality.
When the mortars were ready, both animals began pounding grain. Hare’s mortar held firm under every strike. He worked steadily, producing fine golden flour. Each movement was calm and precise, and the rhythmic sound of pounding seemed to dance in the morning air. Hare smiled to himself as he scooped the flour into a clean sack, thinking of the meals it would provide.
Hyena struck her mortar with force, expecting quick results. Almost immediately, the cracks widened, and the shallow base could not hold the grain. With a loud crack, her mortar split, spilling grain and dust all over the ground. Flour mixed with dirt, becoming useless. Hyena growled in frustration, watching Hare store his neat, clean flour. Hunger gnawed at her belly, and for the first time, she realized that speed and greed could not replace care and wisdom.
Hare called out gently, “Hyena, patience and careful work always bring better rewards than haste and greed. If you had taken your time, your mortar would have lasted and served you well.”
Hyena glared at him but could not deny the truth in his words. She sat on the ground, disappointed and hungry, while Hare continued his work. The other animals observed quietly, understanding once again that cleverness and diligence bring lasting results, while laziness and greed lead to failure.
As the sun began to sink, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and golds, Hare packed his flour and walked home. Hyena licked her lips and vowed to try harder next time, though she would need to learn patience before she could succeed. The village quieted, carrying with it the lesson of the clever hare and the broken mortar.
Moral Lesson:
The story of The Clever Hare and the Broken Mortar teaches that patience, careful planning, and diligence lead to success, while greed, haste, and shortcuts often result in failure. True wisdom lies in preparation and thoughtful action rather than in rushing to gain or showing off.
Knowledge Check
What kind of log did Hare choose for his mortar?
Hare chose a strong, solid log and carved it carefully to make a deep and sturdy mortar.Why did Hyena’s mortar break?
Hyena carved her mortar hastily without care, creating cracks and a shallow base, which caused it to break.What lesson did Hare try to teach Hyena?
Hare wanted to teach Hyena that patience and careful work lead to lasting results, while greed and haste lead to failure.How did the animals react to Hare and Hyena’s work?
The other animals watched quietly, learning that cleverness and diligence are rewarded while laziness and greed bring loss.What did Hare do after finishing pounding the grain?
Hare scooped his fine flour into a sack and prepared it for future meals, showing foresight and planning.What is the main moral of the story?
The main moral is that careful planning, patience, and diligence are more valuable than speed and greed.Cultural Origin: Wolof, Senegal
Source: Wolof folktale, recorded by René Guillot, Contes d’Afrique, 1933, p. 90
