In the days when animals still walked and talked with the wisdom of men, Baboon once found himself in possession of a cowhide. It was not just an ordinary piece of leather, but a valuable find, for in those times hides could be used for shelter, clothing, or trade. Baboon, proud of his discovery, placed it carefully before him, waiting to see which creature might desire it.
Before long, Fox trotted up, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and cunning. Spotting the hide, he asked eagerly, “Baboon, give me that cowhide.”
Baboon, always shrewd and careful, replied, “What will you give me in exchange?”
Fox licked his lips, his voice sly and confident. “I shall give you honey.”
Baboon raised his brows. “And where will you get this honey?”
Fox grinned, flashing his sharp teeth. “I shall steal it from the bees.”
At once, Fox went to raid the beehive. The buzzing insects swarmed angrily, but Fox braved their stings for the sweet golden treasure. Yet, when he tasted the honey, greed overcame him. He devoured it all on the spot, licking the last drops from his fur until nothing remained. Satisfied but dishonest, he returned empty-handed, giving Baboon nothing of what he had promised.
Time passed, and Lion came striding proudly through the bush. His mane glistened in the sunlight, his powerful form casting a shadow over Baboon. Catching sight of the cowhide, Lion said with authority, “Baboon, give me that hide.”
Baboon, maintaining fairness, asked once again, “What will you give me for it?”
Lion’s deep voice rumbled like distant thunder. “I shall give you meat.”
“And where will you get this meat?” Baboon questioned.
Lion did not hesitate. “I shall kill an ox.”
True to his word, Lion hunted swiftly, striking down a fat ox with his strength. When he had finished his feast, he brought a portion of the fresh meat to Baboon, honoring his promise.
Baboon studied the two cases. He remembered the deceit of Fox, who had promised honey but delivered none, and compared it with the honesty of Lion, who promised meat and gave it freely. At last, Baboon spoke with judgment and clarity:
“Fox has spoken falsely. He promised but did not fulfill. Therefore, Fox has lost his case. The hide belongs to Lion, who kept his word.”
And so it was decided: the animal kingdom learned that truth and faithfulness outweigh trickery and false promises.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches that honesty brings reward while deceit leads only to loss. Fox’s greed robbed him of trust and favor, but Lion’s truthfulness and action won him respect. The tale reminds us that words carry weight, and one must honor promises if they wish to be valued.
Knowledge Check
1. Who were the main characters in “The Judgment of Baboon”?
The story features Baboon as judge, with Fox and Lion as the disputing parties.
2. What did Fox promise Baboon in exchange for the cowhide?
Fox promised honey, which he claimed he would steal from the bees.
3. Why did Fox lose the case?
Fox lost because he broke his promise, he ate all the honey himself and brought none to Baboon.
4. What did Lion promise in exchange for the hide?
Lion promised meat, which he said he would get by killing an ox.
5. How did Lion fulfill his promise to Baboon?
Lion killed an ox and gave a share of the meat to Baboon, proving his honesty.
6. What is the moral of the story?
The tale emphasizes the importance of honesty and keeping one’s word, showing that deceit leads to loss while truthfulness brings reward.
Source: South African Folktale
