In the heart of a great forest in Congo, where tall palm trees swayed gently under the golden sun, a hungry Gazelle wandered restlessly in search of food. His hooves sank into the soft earth with every step, but his sharp eyes soon caught sight of a cluster of ripe palm-nuts hanging high above on a slender tree. Their golden-brown shells glistened invitingly in the afternoon light. Yet, despite his longing, the Gazelle knew he could never reach them. His hooves, built for running on grasslands, were useless for climbing trees.
Frustrated but not defeated, he thought of his friend, the Palm-Rat, a small creature blessed with nimble claws and the skill to climb trees with ease. The Gazelle hurried to find him and said, “Friend Palm-Rat, I have discovered a treasure in the forest, a bunch of ripe palm-nuts. If you promise to share them with me, I will show you the way.”
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The Palm-Rat’s eyes brightened. Palm-nuts were among his favourite delicacies, and the thought of three heavy bunches filled him with excitement. Without hesitation, he agreed: “I promise you, Gazelle, I will share them. Lead me there.”
Together they walked into the forest, the air filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. When they arrived at the tree, the Gazelle pointed proudly to the hanging fruits. Wasting no time, the Palm-Rat scrambled up the tree. His sharp claws gripped the bark as he climbed higher and higher until he reached the top, where three large clusters of palm-nuts waited.
But instead of honouring his promise, the Palm-Rat made himself comfortable on a frond. He broke the nuts open and began to eat greedily, the oily kernels slipping through his paws. The sweet taste filled his mouth, and he forgot all about his hungry companion waiting below.
“Friend Palm-Rat!” the Gazelle called from the foot of the tree. “Throw me down some of the nuts as you promised. Remember, I cannot climb.”
But the Palm-Rat only chewed noisily and replied with a sly grin, “When I am eating, I am deaf. I cannot hear a word you say.” He then turned back to his feast.
The Gazelle waited, his stomach growling. After some time, he pleaded again: “Please, Palm-Rat, share the palm-nuts. I trusted your promise, and I am hungry.”
Still, the Palm-Rat ignored him. He stuffed his cheeks full and only repeated mockingly, “When I eat, I cannot hear.” His selfishness rang clear in the silence of the forest.
Hurt and betrayed, the Gazelle’s patience wore thin. He looked around and gathered dry leaves, twigs, and stubble from the forest floor. Soon, he piled them beneath the palm tree and set them alight. The flames crackled, sending thick smoke spiralling upward.
The Palm-Rat coughed and sputtered as the smoke reached him. His eyes watered, and his grip on the fronds weakened. Desperately, he called out: “Uncle Gazelle, please put out the fire! The heat and smoke are choking me!”
But the Gazelle, recalling the Palm-Rat’s cruel excuse, replied coldly: “When I am warming myself by the fire, I cannot hear what is said to me.” He added more wood and fanned the flames until the smoke grew thicker.
Struggling to breathe, the Palm-Rat lost his strength. His claws slipped from the palm frond, and with a heavy thud, he fell to the ground lifeless.
The Gazelle looked at him silently, a mixture of sorrow and stern justice in his eyes. Then, without further word, he returned to town and claimed the Palm-Rat’s belongings as his own.
From that day, the tale spread across villages: a reminder that promises are sacred, and betrayal carries consequences.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches the importance of honesty and keeping one’s word. The Palm-Rat’s greed led him to break his promise, but in doing so, he lost both his life and possessions. The Gazelle’s action, though severe, reflects the truth that betrayal often brings downfall. When kindness is offered, it must be repaid with fairness. True friendship thrives on trust and loyalty, not selfishness.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who are the main characters in this Congolese folktale?
A: The Gazelle and the Palm-Rat.
Q2: What food tempted both characters in the story?
A: Ripe palm-nuts hanging high on a palm tree.
Q3: Why could the Gazelle not reach the palm-nuts?
A: Because he had hooves, which made him unable to climb trees.
Q4: How did the Palm-Rat break his promise?
A: He ate all the palm-nuts himself and refused to share with the Gazelle.
Q5: What action did the Gazelle take in response to the betrayal?
A: He built a fire at the foot of the tree, causing smoke that forced the Palm-Rat down.
Q6: What is the key moral lesson of this folktale?
A: Promises must be kept, and selfishness leads to ruin.
Folktale Origin
Source: Congolese folktale, Central Africa.
