Deep in the forests of the Fang people in Cameroon, the trees grew tall and dense, their leaves forming a thick green canopy that filtered sunlight into scattered golden patterns on the forest floor. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature: birds calling to one another, monkeys leaping through the branches, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind. Among these creatures lived a bright and clever parrot whose intelligence and wit were known throughout the forest. Unlike other birds, the parrot had a habit that set it apart. It often stood on one leg, balancing perfectly while observing everything happening around it. This unusual stance made the parrot appear thoughtful, alert, and sometimes even mysterious to the other animals.
One day, the animals of the forest gathered in the central clearing. The Elephant, known for his size and authority, had called the assembly to address a matter that concerned all creatures. A dispute had arisen between the smaller birds and the larger animals regarding food and territory. The forest had grown tense, and it seemed that only the cleverest among them could prevent chaos. The parrot, ever attentive, perched on one leg at the edge of the gathering, quietly observing the behavior of all who came to the meeting. Its bright eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence.
READ THIS: The Clever Monkey of the Fang Forest
The Elephant spoke first. “We must decide how to share the food in the forest fairly. The larger animals claim that they are stronger and need more, while the smaller creatures insist that they have the right to gather what they find. This disagreement cannot continue, or our home will fall into discord.” The parrot tilted its head and listened carefully. Unlike many of the animals, it understood that strength alone did not ensure fairness or wisdom.
As discussions continued, tempers began to flare. The Leopard growled softly, the antelopes stamped nervously, and even the slow tortoises muttered among themselves. Sensing the rising tension, the parrot hopped forward, still balancing elegantly on one leg. “Friends of the forest,” it began, its voice clear and commanding, “we all have strengths and abilities, but cleverness and observation are what truly maintain harmony. I will show you a way to resolve this dispute without conflict.”
The parrot proposed a challenge. It invited the larger animals to attempt to balance on one leg as it did. The task seemed simple at first, but soon the Elephant, the Leopard, and the buffalo discovered that it required patience, concentration, and careful attention to the surrounding environment. The smaller birds tried too, but their wings made them lose balance easily. Meanwhile, the parrot remained perfectly poised, demonstrating that intelligence and careful observation could achieve what brute force or mere speed could not.
As the animals struggled, the parrot spoke wisely. “Notice how balance is achieved not by strength or size but by understanding your own body and the forces around you. Likewise, harmony in the forest requires that we respect one another, observe carefully, and act thoughtfully.” Gradually, the larger animals began to understand the lesson. They realized that insisting on their strength alone could harm the delicate balance of the forest, while the smaller creatures recognized that cleverness and patience could influence outcomes more than aggression.
By the end of the day, the forest animals had reached an agreement. Food would be shared fairly, and each species would have its role in maintaining peace. The parrot, still standing on one leg, watched with satisfaction. It had not only preserved order but had reminded the creatures that intelligence and adaptability often surpass brute strength in importance. The forest settled into calm once more, with animals returning to their daily routines, mindful of the lesson taught by the vigilant parrot.
Moral Lesson
Parrot Standing on One Leg teaches that wisdom, patience, and careful observation often outweigh physical strength or power. The story illustrates that cleverness and adaptability allow individuals to solve conflicts and maintain harmony. By valuing intelligence as much as strength, the animals of the Fang forest learned the importance of balance, respect, and thoughtful action in their community.
Knowledge Check
Why did the parrot stand on one leg in the forest?
The parrot stood on one leg to observe its surroundings carefully and demonstrate patience, intelligence, and balance.What problem did the animals face in the forest?
The animals were in conflict over food and territory, with larger animals claiming strength gave them priority and smaller animals seeking fairness.How did the parrot propose to solve the dispute?
The parrot challenged the animals to balance on one leg, showing that intelligence, observation, and patience were more important than brute strength.What lesson did the larger animals learn from the parrot?
They learned that insisting on strength alone could disrupt harmony and that careful thought and observation are vital for maintaining balance.What did the smaller animals realize from the challenge?
The smaller animals understood that cleverness and patience could influence outcomes more effectively than aggression or speed.How does this folktale reflect the wisdom of the Fang people?
It highlights the Fang value of intelligence, careful observation, and problem-solving as essential for coexistence and community harmony.
Cultural Origin: Source: Fang folktale, Cameroon. Recorded by Robert H. Nassau in Where Animals Talk: West African Folklore Tales (1914).
