On the rocky coast of Santo Antão, where the cliffs drop into deep blue, there lived a fisherman named Joré. He was tall, silent, and known for casting his nets before dawn and returning with enough to feed the village — and always a little more.
But while Joré was admired, he was also pitied.
He lived alone. No wife, no children, no laughter in his home. The only thing that ever stayed with him was a goat named Patu, who followed him like a shadow and bleated whenever he strayed too close to danger.
Every week, Joré would sell his catch in the market. He never haggled, never asked for favors. Except once.
It was during the dry season when the sea grew unpredictable and the fish fled to deeper waters. Joré’s nets came up empty day after day, and soon he had nothing left — not even enough to buy cassava or salt.
One morning, he walked into the market and stood before Madame Rena, the wealthiest woman in the village. She sold spices, oils, and secrets — if one could pay the price.
“I need a favor,” Joré said, his voice as low as the tide.
She raised an eyebrow. “The sea speaks?”
“I need three coins. Just enough to buy bait and patch my net.”
Rena smiled with sharp teeth. “Three coins, you say?”
“I will pay you back.”
“Oh, I know. But when?”
“When I bring in a full catch.”
“And if you do not?”
Joré hesitated. “Then take Patu.”
The old woman leaned forward, sniffed. “That goat smells like smoke and rain. He’s not ordinary.”
Joré said nothing.
Rena dropped three coins into his hand.
“You have until the third new moon. After that, the debt changes.”
He nodded.
That night, Joré prepared his boat. Patu watched him in silence.
“Just one catch,” Joré whispered, “and we’ll be free.”
But the sea had other plans.
Days passed. Then weeks. Joré sailed out every morning before the sky blushed, but the nets returned empty or torn. He grew thin. Patu bleated with hunger.
On the night of the third new moon, Joré sat by his boat, watching the stars tremble. The debt was due.
Footsteps approached. Rena stood behind him, wearing a shawl made of crow feathers.
“Well?”
“I have nothing,” Joré said quietly.
“Then I take the goat.”
“No.”
“You offered him.”
“I lied.”
Rena’s eyes gleamed. “Then I take you.”
Before Joré could speak, the wind shifted. A storm rolled in from nowhere. Waves slammed the shore.
Suddenly, Patu leapt between them. He let out a terrible cry — not a bleat, but something deeper, older.
His eyes glowed red.
Rena shrieked. “You tricked me! That goat is not a goat!”
Joré stood in shock as Patu transformed — his body stretching, shifting. Before him now stood a spirit in the shape of a man with seaweed hair and skin like polished stone.
“You made a deal,” Patu said to Rena, “but it was with me.”
He reached out and touched her forehead.
She screamed — and vanished into the air, like salt on fire.
The storm stopped.
Patu turned to Joré.
“You saved me once, long ago, when I was caught in your net as a sea-child. I took this form to protect you. And now, the debt is paid — both yours and mine.”
Then, with a nod, he disappeared into the sea.
From that day, Joré fished without fear. His nets were always full. He never borrowed again. And though he walked alone, villagers swore they saw a goat watching him from the cliffs — silent, loyal, and glowing faintly in the moonlight.
✧ Commentary
This tale from Cape Verde is rich with themes of reciprocity, mystery, and hidden identities. It warns against making careless deals and shows that kindness, even unspoken, is never forgotten. Joré’s quiet strength and Patu’s secret nature remind us that those who appear small or ordinary may be guardians in disguise.
✧ Moral
A true debt is repaid in loyalty — not gold. And help may come from where we least expect.
✧ Questions & Answers
1. Q: Why did Joré approach Madame Rena for help? A: Because he had no money or food and needed bait and supplies.
2. Q: What was the condition of the deal? A: He had to repay the debt by the third new moon or surrender his goat.
3. Q: Who was Patu, really? A: A sea spirit disguised as a goat, repaying a life debt to Joré.
4. Q: What happened to Madame Rena? A: She was taken by the sea spirit after trying to claim Joré’s soul.
5. Q: What did the story teach about trust and debt? A: That some debts are sacred, and trust can be both a risk and a shield.
