Hare vs. Hyena theme in Wolof storytelling, with six short variants where the clever hare succeeds and the careless hyena fails.
1. The Hyena and the Hare with the Ladder (Variant)
In this Wolof folktale, the hare decided to build a tall, straight ladder to reach fruit hanging high in the trees. He worked carefully, ensuring every rung was strong and even. The hyena, impatient and careless, threw hers together, leaving it crooked and wobbly.
When it came time to climb, the hare’s ladder held firm, carrying him to the top of the tree. The hyena’s ladder collapsed beneath her weight, sending her crashing painfully to the ground. From above, the hare laughed and enjoyed the fruit in peace.
2. The Hyena and the Hare with the Millstone (Variant)
Another day, the hare shaped a millstone. He smoothed it carefully, shaping it thick and balanced so it could grind grain easily. The hyena, clumsy and hasty, made hers rough, thin, and weak.
When they worked, the hare’s millstone turned smoothly, grinding his food with ease. The hyena’s broke apart almost immediately, leaving her hungry once more. The hare ate well, while the hyena lamented her carelessness.
3. The Hyena and the Hare with the Bridge (Second Variant)
At a stream, the hare decided to build a bridge. He placed each beam with care, making it strong enough to bear his weight. The hyena, true to her nature, rushed her bridge, tying it loosely and unevenly.
When they crossed, the hare’s bridge stood firm, carrying him safely to the other side. The hyena’s bridge collapsed beneath her, plunging her into the cold water. Soaked and humiliated, she could only watch as the hare mocked her misfortune.
4. The Hyena and the Hare with the Roof (Second Variant)
When it was time to prepare for the rainy season, the hare patiently thatched his roof. He layered thick bundles of grass tightly, making sure the roof could withstand the coming storms. The hyena laid her thatch hastily, uneven and thin.
When the storms arrived, the hare’s hut stayed warm and dry, while the hyena’s roof blew away, leaving her drenched in the rain. She begged the hare for shelter, but he refused, reminding her that carelessness has consequences.
5. The Hyena and the Hare with the Fence (Third Variant)
The hare planted a garden and built a strong fence around it. He wove thorny branches together carefully, leaving no gaps for animals to enter. The hyena, impatient, threw hers together quickly, leaving spaces and weak spots.
When wild animals came, they tore through the hyena’s fence and devoured her crops. But the hare’s fence held firm, protecting his field. While the hare harvested in peace, the hyena wept over her loss.
6. The Hyena and the Hare with the Stool (Second Variant)
Finally, the hare carved himself a stool. He measured and shaped it carefully, making it strong and balanced. The hyena, lazy and careless, hacked hers together without thought.
When they sat, the hare’s stool held steady, while the hyena’s toppled over. She fell sprawling on the ground, and the hare once again laughed at her clumsy failure.
Moral of the Stories
These six Wolof folktales repeat one timeless truth: patience and care lead to lasting success, while laziness and haste end in failure. The hare thrives because he takes time to work properly, while the hyena suffers because she never learns. The stories teach the value of discipline, wisdom, and foresight — lessons that remain just as relevant today as they were generations ago.
Knowledge Check
1. What animals are the main characters in these Wolof folktales?
A1. The main characters are the clever hare and the careless hyena.
2. What lesson do the stories teach about patience and effort?
They show that careful work brings success, while rushing or laziness leads to failure.
3. In the ladder story, why did the hare succeed while the hyena failed?
The hare built his ladder strong and straight, while the hyena’s collapsed because it was weak and uneven.
4. What happened to the hyena’s roof during the storm?
It blew away because she built it hastily, leaving her exposed to the rain.
5. How does the hare symbolize wisdom in these tales?
The hare represents patience, intelligence, and the rewards of diligence.
6. What cultural origin do these stories come from?
They are Wolof folktales from Senegal.
Source: Wolof folktales, Senegal (René Guillot, Contes d’Afrique, 1933)
