In the villages of Angola, where red earth paths curve between tall grasses and the laughter of young girls fills the evening air, a story is often told of two unlikely rivals: Mr. Elephant and Mr. Frog. Both creatures, though different in size and strength, once found themselves in a curious contest of wit, pride, and cunning. Their tale, handed down through generations, is remembered not merely for its humor but for the lesson it teaches about truth, trust, and the ruin that follows deceit.
Mr. Elephant was a grand figure in the land, mighty and strong, admired by many. His steps made the ground tremble, and the shade of his vast ears was like the wings of a tree spread wide. Mr. Frog, in contrast, was small, clever, and restless. He leapt wherever he pleased, but though small in body, his tongue was quick, and his wit was sharp as a thorn. Both had their eyes set on the same house, for both were courting there.
It happened one day that Mr. Frog went before the sweetheart of Mr. Elephant. With sly words and a bold face, he said to her, “Do you know? Mr. Elephant is my horse.” The girl laughed in surprise, yet when Mr. Elephant came that evening to visit, the girls of the house mocked him joyfully, saying, “You are the horse of Mr. Frog!” Their voices rang like bells, and the mighty elephant, humiliated and burning with shame, left in anger.
Determined to clear his name, Mr. Elephant went straight to Mr. Frog’s dwelling. He thundered, “Did you tell my sweetheart that I am your horse?” But Mr. Frog, feigning innocence, replied smoothly, “No, Grandfather, I did not say so.” His tone was steady, his eyes unflinching, and the elephant, though suspicious, agreed they should go together and seek the truth from the girl herself.
READ THIS: When Pride Meets Truth: An Angolan Folktale that Teaches Lessons on Wisdom and Strength
Thus they set off along the red path toward the girl’s house. The journey was long, and Mr. Frog soon began another trick. He cried out, “Grandfather, I have no strength to walk. Let me ride upon your back.” Mr. Elephant, being proud yet generous, said, “Climb up, my grandson.” So the tiny frog perched himself on the great beast’s back, hidden against his rough gray skin.
Not long after, Mr. Frog spoke again. “Grandfather, I fear I may fall. Allow me to bind myself to your mouth with a cord, that I may not slip.” Mr. Elephant, thinking little of it, agreed. Mr. Frog tied the cord, and in this way made the elephant appear bridled like a beast of burden.
After some time, Mr. Frog again spoke with false concern. “Grandfather, the mosquitoes trouble you. Allow me to fetch a green twig to fan them away.” Mr. Elephant, trusting, said, “Go.” Mr. Frog found a leafy branch and waved it over the elephant as they continued toward the village.
When at last they neared the house, the girls who had been waiting looked up and saw the scene before them. Mr. Elephant, vast and mighty, was walking slowly with Mr. Frog perched on his back, cords in his mouth like reins, and a twig waving as if to command him. With shouts and laughter, the girls ran to meet them, crying aloud, “Truly, Mr. Elephant, you are indeed the horse of Mr. Frog!”
And so, though he had sought to prove his innocence, the proud elephant was made to appear exactly as the frog had claimed. The trickster’s deceit had triumphed, and the mighty had been humbled by the small.
Moral Lesson
This Angolan folktale teaches that deception, though clever in the moment, brings humiliation and strife. The elephant’s pride blinded him, while the frog’s lies trapped him in a false victory. Strength without wisdom can be turned into weakness, and cunning without honesty sows mistrust.
In life, one must beware of both false words and reckless pride. It is not the size of the body or the sound of the boast that determines truth, but the integrity of actions. Deceit may win laughter for a day, but it builds shame for a lifetime.
Knowledge Check
Q1. Who are the two main characters in the Angolan folktale “The Elephant and the Frog”?
A1. Mr. Elephant and Mr. Frog are the central characters.
Q2. What lie did Mr. Frog tell the sweetheart of Mr. Elephant?
A2. He told her that Mr. Elephant was his horse.
Q3. How did Mr. Frog make Mr. Elephant appear bridled?
A3. He asked to tie cords to Elephant’s mouth under the pretense of not falling.
Q4. Why did the girls mock Mr. Elephant when they saw him approaching?
A4. They saw him carrying Mr. Frog with cords and a twig, like a horse.
Q5. What lesson does the story teach about pride and deceit?
A5. Pride makes one vulnerable to deceit, and lies create humiliation rather than honor.
Q6. From which cultural tradition does this folktale originate?
A6. It originates from Angola.
Source: Kimbundu folktale, Angola
