In the heart of Senegal, among the Wolof people, stories of the clever hare and the foolish hyena are told to teach children how wisdom outshines carelessness. One of these stories is about a bridge, a river, and the choices that reveal who succeeds and who fails.
Long ago, the rains came down so heavily that rivers overflowed their banks. Villagers could no longer cross to the other side without a bridge. The hare and the hyena, who often quarreled but sometimes worked side by side, both decided to build bridges. Each wanted to prove who was the wiser and more skillful builder.
The hare, small but clever, walked slowly to the forest. He studied the strongest trees and measured carefully. He said aloud, “A bridge is not only wood, it is also patience.” He cut thick, straight logs and smoothed them one by one. He placed them firmly across the river and tied them with strong vines. His work was steady and precise.
Meanwhile, the hyena laughed at the hare’s slow pace. “Why waste time on measuring? Why smooth the logs? I will finish before the hare even starts!” she boasted. She gathered crooked branches and weak sticks, tying them in haste with dry grass. She hardly checked if they were firm. To her, speed mattered more than care.
When both finished, the villagers gathered to watch. The hare stepped onto his bridge first. The wood held strong, and he crossed with ease. He even stamped his feet and called, “See how steady it stands!” The villagers cheered, proud of his cleverness.
Now it was the hyena’s turn. She strutted forward proudly. “My bridge is faster, stronger, and better,” she boasted. But as soon as she stepped onto the first bundle of sticks, they bent. With each step, the bridge wobbled and cracked. She tried to hurry, but in the middle of the river, the crooked branches snapped beneath her weight.
With a loud splash, the hyena fell into the rushing water. The villagers gasped, and the hare laughed from the other side. “Hyena, wisdom builds what pride destroys!” he shouted. The hyena scrambled to the muddy shore, soaked and ashamed. Her boastful words had turned into bitter silence.
From that day, the villagers chose the hare’s bridge whenever they needed to cross the river. The hyena’s foolishness was remembered, not for her speed, but for her careless pride.
Moral Lesson of The Hyena and the Hare with the Bridge
This story teaches that careful and patient work brings lasting success, while pride and haste lead to shame. The Wolof people remind their children that true strength lies in wisdom and preparation, not in boasting or shortcuts. Just as the hare’s strong bridge carried people safely, wisdom carries those who respect patience and effort.
Knowledge Check: The Hyena and the Hare with the Bridge
What does the story of the hare and the hyena’s bridges teach about wisdom?
The story shows that wisdom is stronger than pride. The hare’s patience and care built a lasting bridge, while the hyena’s carelessness brought failure.Why did the villagers prefer the hare’s bridge in the end?
They chose it because it was safe, sturdy, and well-built, unlike the hyena’s weak bridge that collapsed.What role does pride play in The Hyena and the Hare with the Bridge?
Pride blinds the hyena to the importance of patience. Her boasting leads to her downfall.How does this Wolof folktale reflect values in traditional African storytelling?
It reflects the value of wisdom, patience, and humility, which are central lessons in many African oral traditions.What natural setting gives power to this folktale?
The overflowing river during the rainy season creates the challenge that forces both the hare and hyena to build bridges.How does the story of the hare and the hyena’s bridge remain relevant today?
It reminds us that in life, careful planning and humility bring success, while rushing and arrogance cause failure.Cultural Origin
This folktale comes from the Wolof people of Senegal, known for their rich oral tradition where animals like the hare and the hyena serve as teachers of wisdom and folly.
Source
René Guillot, Contes d’Afrique, 1933, p. 88.
