In the heart of Gabon’s lush forests, the animals lived in a fragile balance of peace and quarrel. When disagreements arose, they often sought the wisdom of the strongest among them, believing that strength gave authority. One day, however, the animals learned that strength alone could not make justice.
The trouble began when Antelope and Monkey discovered a pile of ripe bananas near the riverbank. Both claimed ownership. Monkey argued that he had seen them first and had gathered them with his quick hands. Antelope insisted that he had planted a tree nearby and that the fruit must belong to him. The quarrel grew so heated that other animals gathered, unsure of how to settle the matter. Finally, they decided to bring the case before Crocodile, for he was feared and respected, living both in the water and on the land.
Crocodile listened from the river’s edge, his thick tail swishing slowly through the water. He lifted his great jaws and declared, “Bring the bananas before me. I shall decide who is right.” His voice rumbled like distant thunder, and all the animals grew silent.
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Monkey bowed quickly, hoping to win Crocodile’s favor with flattery. “Great Crocodile, you are the wisest of judges, your teeth are sharper than knives, and your eyes see deeper than the river. Surely, you know that these bananas are mine.”
Antelope lowered his head but stood his ground. “I speak truth,” he said simply. “The tree is mine, and so the fruit must be mine too.”
Crocodile considered the matter. He stared at the bananas, and his stomach rumbled. In truth, he cared little about fairness. He thought to himself, If I give the bananas to Monkey, he will bring me more fruit in gratitude. If I give them to Antelope, I may receive meat in return. Perhaps it is better to side with the stronger.
Before Crocodile could speak, a small voice came from the edge of the crowd. It was Tortoise, moving slowly but surely forward. Many animals laughed at him, for what wisdom could a slow and humble creature add to such a dispute? But Tortoise ignored their laughter and spoke calmly. “Great Crocodile, may I ask a question before you give your judgment?”
Crocodile narrowed his eyes but agreed. “Speak, little one.”
Tortoise turned first to Monkey. “If you gathered these bananas, show us the marks of your hands on them.” Monkey held one up proudly, and indeed his fingers had touched them. Then Tortoise turned to Antelope. “If you claim the tree, show us where it grows.” Antelope led the animals a short way into the forest and pointed to a tall tree heavy with more bananas.
The crowd murmured, for both had spoken some truth. Monkey had gathered the bananas, yet Antelope had planted the tree. Crocodile shifted uneasily, for he had hoped to give the fruit away quickly and keep some for himself.
Tortoise then said, “Justice does not belong to the strong or to the clever alone. True justice belongs to both truth and fairness. Monkey must be honored for his labor, and Antelope must be honored for his planting. If you divide the fruit between them, each will receive his due.”
The animals nodded, and even Crocodile could not deny the wisdom of Tortoise’s words. Slowly, he announced, “Let the bananas be shared, for both are right in part.” Though Crocodile’s pride was wounded, he knew that all eyes were upon him, and he could not be seen as unjust.
Monkey received his share with a grin, Antelope accepted his portion with dignity, and the other animals praised Tortoise for his wisdom. From that day forward, they learned that justice must not bend to the power of the strong or the hunger of the judge. It must rest on truth, fairness, and balance.
Moral Lesson
The Crocodile’s Judgment reminds us that justice cannot be bought by flattery or swayed by strength. True fairness listens to all sides, respects both labor and ownership, and divides honor where it is due. Wisdom, not power, is the foundation of real justice.
Knowledge Check
What caused the quarrel between Antelope and Monkey in The Crocodile’s Judgment?
They both claimed ownership of a pile of ripe bananas near the riverbank.Why did the animals bring their dispute to Crocodile?
They respected and feared his strength, believing he could act as a fair judge.How did Monkey try to win Crocodile’s favor?
He used flattery, praising Crocodile’s wisdom, teeth, and eyes.What role did Tortoise play in the story?
Tortoise exposed the truth by showing that Monkey gathered the bananas while Antelope planted the tree, and he suggested sharing them fairly.Why was Crocodile uneasy about Tortoise’s question?
Crocodile hoped to make a selfish decision but could not deny the fairness of Tortoise’s reasoning.What is the main lesson of The Crocodile’s Judgment?
The story teaches that real justice must be fair, balanced, and guided by wisdom, not strength or selfishness.
Cultural Origin: Gabonese folktale (Mpongwe Tribe), recorded by Robert H. Nassau in Where Animals Talk: West African Folklore Tales (1914).
