Long ago, when the animals of the forest spoke as men and held councils together, Iguana was known for his cleverness. He was smooth in his words, able to soothe anger or stir quarrels with equal skill. Many admired his wit, yet others feared him, for they knew his tongue was sharp not only in speech but also in cunning.
At that time, the forest animals lived in harmony, meeting often under the great baobab tree to settle disputes. When Goat quarreled with Antelope over grazing land, Iguana spoke to each of them separately. To Goat, he whispered, “You are the stronger; take what you want, and none will oppose you.” But to Antelope, he said, “You are swift and graceful; the land is yours by right, for Goat is greedy.”
READ THIS: Tortoise in a Race
Soon Goat and Antelope met, each filled with confidence from Iguana’s words, and their quarrel grew into a bitter fight. Monkey, who had been watching, shook his head and muttered, “Iguana plays both sides. His tongue brings trouble.”
Yet Iguana did not stop. When Dog and Hyena argued over scraps, Iguana spoke to Dog, praising his loyalty and courage, while telling Hyena he was the cleverer and more deserving. The two animals clashed, their snarls echoing through the forest. Again, Monkey warned the others, “Iguana’s words twist like vines; they pull us apart.”
At first, the animals ignored Monkey’s warnings, for Iguana’s words were sweet and pleasing to hear. But soon, the forest was filled with quarrels, each one rooted in Iguana’s double speech. Distrust spread like fire in dry grass. Friendships broke, councils failed, and the peace of the forest trembled.
Finally, Lion, the king of beasts, called a great meeting under the baobab. All the animals gathered—Leopard, Elephant, Monkey, Goat, Antelope, Dog, Hyena, and many more. They sat in a great circle, and Lion’s voice thundered, “Too many quarrels trouble our forest. We must find their cause.”
Monkey leapt forward and cried, “It is Iguana! He speaks one thing to Goat and another to Antelope. He flatters Dog, then flatters Hyena, until they fight. His tongue is crooked, and his words bring strife.”
The crowd murmured in agreement. Goat and Antelope rose, recalling Iguana’s whispers. Dog and Hyena growled, remembering his praise. One by one, the animals told how Iguana’s words had filled them with pride or anger, leading them into conflict.
Iguana, realizing the circle of blame was closing on him, tried to defend himself. He lifted his head proudly and said, “I only speak what is true! If quarrels arise, it is because others cannot handle honesty.”
But Lion roared, shaking the earth. “You are deceitful! You speak with two tongues, one for flattery and one for mischief. Such a tongue is dangerous among us.”
The animals demanded punishment. Some called for Iguana to be banished; others wanted him silenced forever. At last, wise Tortoise stepped forward. He spoke slowly, with calm authority: “Let his punishment match his crime. His tongue has been as two, speaking in different ways to different ears. Let his tongue be divided, so that all may see what he has done.”
The animals agreed. Lion commanded Iguana to step into the center. With one fierce swipe of his claw, Lion split Iguana’s tongue down the middle. Blood dripped onto the earth, and Iguana hissed in pain. From that day forward, Iguana’s tongue remained forked, a mark of his double speech.
Ashamed and weakened, Iguana slunk away into the undergrowth. He no longer spoke freely among the animals, for all distrusted him. To this day, iguanas and their kin still carry the mark of that judgment. Their tongues are forked, forever reminding creatures of the forest of the dangers of deceit and double words.
And when people see Iguana flicking his tongue, they remember the story told by the Benga elders: that deceit will always divide the tongue, and truth cannot live in a mouth that twists both ways.
Moral Lesson
The tale of Iguana’s Forked Tongue teaches that deceit and double speech destroy harmony. Words have power to heal or to wound, and those who twist them for selfish gain will eventually be exposed. The forked tongue of Iguana remains a warning that honesty builds peace, while lies lead to shame and isolation.
Knowledge Check:
What was Iguana most known for among the animals?
He was known for his clever words and ability to speak smoothly to different animals.How did Iguana cause Goat and Antelope to quarrel?
He told Goat he was stronger and should take the land, while telling Antelope she deserved it more.Which animals did Iguana flatter during their quarrel over scraps?
He praised Dog for his loyalty and Hyena for his cleverness, causing them to fight.Who first warned the others about Iguana’s double speech?
Monkey warned that Iguana’s words twisted like vines and brought trouble.What punishment did Tortoise suggest for Iguana?
That his tongue be split in two to match his double speech.What is the main moral of Iguana’s Forked Tongue?
That deceit and double speech destroy trust and bring shame upon the deceiver.
Source: Benga folktale, Corisco Island, Equatorial Guinea (recorded by Robert H. Nassau, 1914).
