Hare plaited a long, sturdy basket and said to himself, “I will go to bind squashes in the field.” With determination, he set off along the dusty road that wound through the countryside. The air was warm, and the rustling of leaves marked his steady pace.
As Hare travelled, he met none other than Mr. Leopard, who blocked the path with his powerful frame. Leopard eyed the basket Hare carried, its size impressive even compared to the little creature holding it. With a sly grin, Leopard said, “Hare, you are bold indeed! This whole basket, so large it nearly hides you. Where are you going with it?”
Hare, calm and respectful, replied, “Lord, I am going to bind a few small squashes in the fields.”
Leopard narrowed his eyes and laughed. “Thou, Hare, this basket is larger than you are! If you fill it with squashes, how could you possibly carry it?”
Quick-witted as always, Hare answered, “Lord, if it be you, yourself, I am able to carry you in this basket!”
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Leopard’s pride was stirred, and he frowned. “Hare, you are too presumptuous. If I climb into that basket and you give me up, what then may I do to you?”
Without hesitation, Hare bowed slightly and replied, “Lord, you may beat me.”
Intrigued and amused, Leopard agreed. He climbed into the basket, testing Hare’s boast. Hare warned him carefully: “Lord, when I fasten the ropes to the basket, do not shriek. Beware also of falling on the ground.”
Leopard scoffed and replied, “Very well.”
Hare picked up a rope and said, “Lord, stretch yourself out well.” Leopard stretched his powerful body inside the basket. Swiftly, Hare began binding him tightly. Once Leopard was secured, Hare quietly drew the hatchet he kept at his waist.
With a sharp strike, Hare knocked Leopard on the head. Startled, Leopard cried out, “Hare! What do you mean by this?”
Hare answered coolly, “You hate us, and you do us harm.” With another blow of the hatchet, Leopard fell silent. Hare struck again, and Leopard died.
Calmly and without fear, Hare flayed Leopard and carried the spoils home. He ate the meat and lived on, sustained by the victory his wit had secured.
Thus, the tale comes to an end.
Moral Lesson
This story teaches that cleverness and courage can overcome even the strongest adversary. While Leopard relied on pride and brute strength, Hare used wit, patience, and strategy to survive. The tale reminds us that arrogance and underestimating others often lead to downfall, while resourcefulness and intelligence can open the path to safety and success.
Knowledge Check
Q1. Who were the two main characters in this Angolan folktale?
The story centres on Hare, the clever trickster, and Leopard, the powerful but prideful animal.
Q2. What was Hare carrying when he met Leopard?
Hare carried a large basket, which he claimed he would use to bind squashes in the field.
Q3. How did Hare convince Leopard to climb into the basket?
Hare boasted that he could carry even Leopard, appealing to Leopard’s pride and challenging his sense of superiority.
Q4. What tool did Hare use to defeat Leopard?
Hare used the hatchet from his waist to strike Leopard on the head.
Q5. What moral lesson does this folktale highlight?
The tale teaches that wit and intelligence can overcome brute strength, and that pride can lead to downfall.
Q6. What is the cultural origin of this folktale?
This is a traditional Kimbundu folktale from Angola.
Folktale OriginSource: Kimbundu folktale, Angola.
