Long ago, in a small Gambian village nestled between thick forests and winding rivers, lived a young hunter named Kofi. Known for his sharp mind and quiet courage, Kofi was respected by his people, but he longed for a challenge worthy of his skill.
One early morning, as the sun rose golden over the tall baobab trees, Kofi prepared for a day’s hunt. His bow was strong, his arrows sharp, but on this day, the forest whispered secrets he hadn’t heard before.
As he moved deeper into the woods, the birds hushed, and a cool breeze carried a soft voice, barely audible, calling his name. Curious and cautious, Kofi followed the sound until he reached a clearing he had never seen before. There stood a majestic tree, its bark shimmering with an otherworldly light.
“Who dares enter my domain?” a voice boomed, echoing like thunder and whispering like the wind all at once.
Kofi bowed respectfully. “I am Kofi, hunter of the village. I mean no harm, only seek the forest’s blessings.”
The tree’s branches shifted as if nodding. “I am Nyame, spirit of the forest. You have come seeking wisdom and fortune, but the forest demands respect and cleverness. I will test your mind with a riddle. Solve it, and you shall have my blessing.”
Kofi’s heart raced, but his voice was steady. “I accept your challenge.”
Nyame spoke: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with wind. What am I?”
Kofi pondered deeply. He thought of the rustling leaves, the flowing river, the animals moving silently through the underbrush. Suddenly, a smile broke on his face.
“An echo,” he answered confidently.
The spirit’s laughter filled the clearing. “Wise indeed. You have passed the first test.”
Nyame then told Kofi that to claim the forest’s blessing, he must bring a gift of true kindness from the village—not something of gold or meat, but something heartfelt.
Kofi returned to his village, contemplating. What could he offer that was truly meaningful?
He noticed old Nana Jatta, the village storyteller, sitting alone. Her eyes were dimming, and her voice was weaker each day.
Kofi sat beside her. “Nana, will you share your stories with me one last time?”
Her face brightened, and she began weaving tales of ancient kings, brave hunters, and magical creatures. Kofi listened intently, promising to carry her stories forward.
He gathered the children, teaching them Nana’s tales, filling the village with laughter and wonder. His gift was the revival of stories, the heartbeat of their culture.
When Kofi returned to the forest clearing, Nyame smiled. “You have given life to the forest’s spirit in your village. For that, I grant you protection and plenty in your hunts.”
From that day on, Kofi’s arrows never missed, and the village prospered. But more importantly, the people remembered the power of stories and kindness, the true magic of their world.
✧ Commentary
This Gambian folktale celebrates the importance of wisdom, respect for nature, and the power of cultural stories. Kofi’s journey shows that true gifts are not material but come from the heart, and that cleverness involves kindness and honoring tradition. The forest spirit Nyame embodies nature’s balance and the sacred connection between humans and their environment.
✧ Moral
True success comes from respecting nature, using one’s mind wisely, and sharing kindness with others.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Q: Who is Nyame in the story? A: Nyame is the spirit of the forest who tests Kofi’s wisdom.
2. Q: What riddle did Nyame ask Kofi? A: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with wind. What am I?”
3. Q: How did Kofi solve the riddle? A: He answered “an echo.”
4. Q: What was Kofi’s true gift to the forest spirit? A: He revived the village’s storytelling tradition, sharing kindness and culture.
5. Q: What lesson does the story teach? A: That respect for nature, wisdom, and kindness bring true blessings.
