Once upon a time, in a village deep within the Congo forests, a friendship grew between an unlikely pair, a cock Fowl and a Leopard. Though one was small and fragile, and the other powerful and feared by all, they treated each other as companions. In time, however, circumstances led the Leopard to lend a sum of money to the Fowl, and they agreed that repayment would be made at the Fowl’s residence on an appointed day.
As the day of repayment approached, the Fowl became anxious. He had no money to return, yet he feared the anger of his mighty friend. Knowing the Leopard’s temper and strength, the Fowl devised a cunning plan that would save him from immediate danger. On the morning of the agreed day, he took bright red peppers, ground them into a fine paste, and mixed them with water until the liquid resembled fresh blood.
When word reached him that the Leopard was approaching his home, the Fowl summoned his servants and whispered instructions. “When the Leopard arrives and asks for me, tell him my head has been cut off and carried to the women at the farm, where they are combing and cleaning it. Then pour this red water at my neck as though blood is dripping.” With that, the Fowl tucked his head tightly beneath his wings and sat very still, making it appear that he had indeed been beheaded. His servants obediently poured the red pepper water so that it trickled onto the ground, looking convincingly like blood.
The Leopard soon arrived, eager to see his friend and to reclaim his loan. When he asked for the Fowl, the servants replied exactly as instructed. “Our master’s head has been cut off and taken to the women in the farm to be combed and cleaned.”
READ: The Driver-Ant and the Small-Ant: A Folktale from Congo
At first, the Leopard could not believe his ears. “What kind of marvel is this?” he exclaimed. But when he stepped into the courtyard and saw the red liquid dripping to the earth, he was convinced. To his eyes, the Fowl’s headless body looked lifeless, and the “blood” made the deception complete.
Later, when the two met again, the Leopard asked curiously, “Friend Fowl, how did you accomplish such a wonder?”
The Fowl, hiding a sly smile, answered smoothly, “It is simple. When you return to your town, cut off your head and send it to the farm. There the women will comb and clean it before it is returned to you. Once that is done, you are whole again.”
The Leopard’s eyes widened with amazement. “Ah! Thank you, my friend. I shall perform this marvel before my wives and subjects. They will be astonished.”
The Leopard rushed home, filled with pride at the magical knowledge he believed he had gained. To his wives, he declared, “I have learned a secret wonder from my friend, the Fowl.”
“What is this wonder?” they asked with eagerness.
“My head shall be cut off,” he boasted, “and you will carry it to the farm to comb and clean. Then you will return it to me, and I shall be restored.”
His wives, though doubtful, obeyed. Messengers were sent throughout the district, summoning all the villagers to witness the incredible feat. Word spread quickly, and on the appointed day, a vast crowd gathered. They surrounded the Leopard with anticipation, eager to see the spectacle he had promised.
At the centre of the gathering, the Leopard stood tall and proud. He gave the order, and his head was struck off. But the moment his head fell, his legs buckled, and his body collapsed heavily to the ground. The women dutifully took the head to the farm, combed and cleaned it, then carried it back. Yet no matter how they tried, the head would not rejoin the lifeless body.
The mighty Leopard, tricked by vanity and blinded by pride, had perished because he failed to question the absurdity of what the Fowl told him.
Thus ended the Leopard’s story, a powerful beast undone by foolish credulity, while the cunning Fowl lived on, unharmed, his debt forgotten. The tale warns against arrogance and the folly of believing everything one sees or hears without reason.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches that wisdom is greater than strength. The Leopard, despite his power, fell victim to his own pride and eagerness to impress others. Instead of questioning the Fowl’s trick, he rushed to show off what he thought was magical knowledge. The story reminds us to think carefully before acting, to question what seems unbelievable, and to understand that blind imitation can lead to downfall.
Knowledge Check
1. Who were the main characters in the story?
The main characters are the cock Fowl, known for his cunning, and the Leopard, known for his strength.
2. Why did the Fowl trick the Leopard?
The Fowl owed the Leopard money and feared repayment, so he devised a trick to avoid confrontation.
3. What did the Fowl use to deceive the Leopard?
He mixed ground red peppers with water to make it look like blood when poured at his neck.
4. Why did the Leopard attempt the trick himself?
He believed it was true magic and wanted to impress his wives and subjects with the wonder.
5. What lesson does the Leopard’s downfall teach?
It shows the danger of vanity, blind imitation, and failing to use common sense.
6. What is the cultural origin of this folktale?
This story comes from the traditional folklore of the Congo.
Folktale Origin
Source: Congolese folktale, Congo.
