In the heart of the East African savanna, where the acacia trees stretch their arms to the wide sky, there lived Mzee Tembo, the oldest and largest elephant anyone had ever seen. His tusks curved like the crescent moon, and his voice rumbled like distant thunder. Mzee Tembo was not only respected for his size but for his wisdom, for the animals often came to him when disputes arose.
One year, after the heavy rains, the land was greener than it had been in many seasons. Rivers overflowed, fruit trees bent under the weight of their harvest, and the grass grew taller than a gazelle’s back. Mzee Tembo decided it was the perfect time to hold a grand feast to thank the spirits of the land. Word spread quickly through the animal kingdom: the Elephant’s Feast would be held under the Great Baobab tree in three days’ time.
Everyone was excited. The monkeys chattered about the sweet bananas they would bring. The antelopes planned to offer bundles of fresh grass. Even the lions, who rarely shared meals, promised to bring roasted meat for all to taste.
But there was one animal whose thoughts were not on giving, Bwana Sungura, the hare. Quick of foot and quicker of wit, Sungura was known for his tricks. He had no intention of bringing anything to the feast. “Why waste my own food when I can enjoy everyone else’s?” he told himself.
When the day arrived, the Great Baobab’s shade was filled with baskets of mangoes, bowls of honey, roasted yams, fresh water, and sizzling meat. Mzee Tembo greeted each guest warmly, his deep voice booming with gratitude. But before the feast began, he said, “Friends, we eat together because we live together. Today we share not only food, but respect for one another.”
The animals sat in a great circle. Just as the meal was about to begin, Sungura hopped forward and clapped his paws. “Wait! Before we eat, I propose a game,” he said. “We all know the feast will be long. Let us each eat with our eyes closed to make it more exciting.”
The animals, curious and trusting, agreed. They closed their eyes and reached for the food. Sungura, however, kept one eye open. While the others fumbled for their share, he darted from plate to plate, snatching the best morsels and stuffing them into his mouth.
At first, no one noticed. But soon the monkeys found their bananas gone, the antelopes saw their grass trampled, and the lions discovered their meat missing. The circle fell silent. Eyes opened. Mouths stopped chewing.
In the middle of it all sat Sungura, his belly round, his whiskers glistening with honey, and his paws clutching half a roasted yam.
Mzee Tembo rose slowly, his shadow falling over Sungura. “My little friend,” he said in a deep, measured voice, “this feast was meant to bring us together, yet you have taken from everyone without giving anything in return.”
Sungura swallowed hard. “I was only playing a game,” he said, trying to smile.
Tembo shook his great head. “Games that take from others are not games at all. They are theft dressed in laughter.”
The elephant then ordered that Sungura be given nothing more to eat. The remaining food was shared among the others, and Sungura was made to watch as everyone enjoyed what was left. His stomach groaned, but his shame was heavier than his hunger.
From that day forward, whenever a feast was held in the savanna, the animals remembered the Elephant’s Feast. They made sure everyone brought something to share, and if anyone tried to take without giving, the story of Sungura’s greed was told until the trickster’s ears burned.
Moral Lesson of The Elephant’s Feast
The Elephant’s Feast reminds us that true celebration is built on sharing and fairness. When we take without giving, we harm not only those around us but also our own honor and place within the community. A feast tastes sweetest when each person has contributed to the table, and the bonds of respect are stronger than the temptation of selfishness.
Knowledge Check
- What is the main theme of The Elephant’s Feast in African folktales?
The main theme is the importance of sharing and contributing to the community rather than acting out of greed. - Who is the trickster character in The Elephant’s Feast story?
The trickster is Bwana Sungura, the hare, known for his cunning and selfish actions. - Why did Mzee Tembo host the Elephant’s Feast?
He hosted it to thank the spirits of the land after a season of abundance and to bring the animal community together. - What lesson did Sungura learn from The Elephant’s Feast?
He learned that selfishness and taking without giving lead to shame and loss of trust within the community. - How does The Elephant’s Feast reflect African oral storytelling traditions?
It uses animal characters with human traits, vivid descriptions of nature, and a moral lesson to teach values in a memorable way. - Why is sharing food significant in African folktales like The Elephant’s Feast?
Sharing food symbolizes unity, respect, and the idea that a community thrives when all members contribute to its well-being.
Cultural Origin:
This folktale is rooted in the East African oral storytelling tradition, common among communities such as the Swahili, Maasai, and other pastoral and forest peoples of the savanna.
