In the heart of the African bush, where tall grasses sway in the wind and the air hums with the songs of unseen birds, two creatures, Lion and Hyena, unexpectedly crossed paths without ever realizing it. Each had set their eyes on the same fertile spot of land, a place they believed would make the perfect home. What began as an ordinary day soon spiralled into chaos, and the animals of the bush would talk of it for years as the tale of the house that brought panic.
It was Hyena who first came across the clearing, nestled between tall baobabs and softened by sandy earth. She sniffed the ground carefully, circled the space, and finally announced to herself, “This is where I shall build my house.” Without wasting time, she fetched four sturdy poles and planted them firmly at the corners, marking out her future dwelling. Satisfied, she trotted back into the bush in search of more building materials.
Not long after, Lion happened to wander through the same clearing. His golden eyes scanned the spot and gleamed with approval. “Ah,” he rumbled, “this is just the place for my house.” Seeing the poles already standing, he assumed some generous spirit had prepared the ground for him. Grateful, he laid down reeds he had gathered for the walls, praising the unseen hand that had made his work easier.
The building continued in this unspoken partnership. When Hyena returned with thatch for the roof, she found reeds already neatly arranged and, like Lion, believed a kind spirit was blessing her efforts. She gave thanks and laid her bundle down. Later, Lion returned with rafters for the roof, then Hyena with ropes from the bark of a baobab. Step by step, unknowingly, they worked side by side. Lion planted the stakes, Hyena wove the reeds, Lion assembled the rafters, and Hyena spread the thatch across the top. Finally, Lion tied it all securely with cords.
By the end, a fine two-room house stood proudly in the clearing, the two chambers joined by a small peep-hole in the wall. Neither Lion nor Hyena realized they had shared in its construction.
One stormy afternoon, Hyena took shelter in one of the rooms. The wind howled outside, and rain fell in sheets. Just then, an old woman passed by, balancing on her head a calabash filled with mbouraké, sweet couscous sprinkled with sugar. Seeking refuge from the storm, she stepped into the other room.
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Through the tiny peep-hole, she spotted Hyena and, assuming the house belonged to her, offered a handful of the sweet food as thanks for her hospitality. Startled by the sudden gesture and nervous at being discovered, Hyena bolted for the door just as Lion was stepping inside. The two collided with a thud, tumbling into the sand in a cloud of dust. Confused and startled, they scrambled to their feet and sprinted in opposite directions.
At the edge of a nearby lake, they finally stopped to catch their breath.
“What frightened you?” asked Lion.
“I thought you knew!” Hyena replied.
Lion shook his mane. “I know nothing. But perhaps we should send someone to see what is happening at the house.”
They agreed to send Giraffe, whose long neck could peek inside without danger. Slowly and carefully, Giraffe walked back to the clearing. She stretched her neck through the peep-hole, but the old woman, amused, took off her red neckerchief and tied it gently around Giraffe’s long throat.
When Giraffe returned, the red cloth dangling from her neck looked to Hyena like blood. Alarmed, she cried out, “Uncle Lion! Look, the Giraffe has been wounded. They cut her throat!” Without waiting for an answer, Hyena turned and ran.
Lion, equally unsettled, did not question further. He too bolted in the opposite direction.
Behind them, Giraffe galloped as well, trying to keep up, the red cloth bouncing against her chest. The sight of three great animals running wildly spread panic through the bush.
“What is the matter?” asked the other animals.
“We don’t know!” Lion shouted as he passed.
“We don’t know!” Hyena echoed, sprinting alongside.
Terrified, the other creatures joined the flight. Elephant thundered away with such force that his massive feet dug deep ditches in the earth. Tiny Frog, leaping frantically to keep up with the stampede, croaked as she bounded: “Take care! Take care! Beware of the pools!”
Thus, the bush descended into chaos, all from a misunderstanding born in a shared house built unknowingly by rivals.
Moral Lesson
This folktale reminds us that misunderstandings often grow from fear and assumption rather than truth. Hyena and Lion, instead of pausing to seek clarity, allowed suspicion to guide them, sparking needless panic. The result was confusion not just for themselves but for the entire community.
The lesson is clear: communication and courage in the face of uncertainty prevent unnecessary fear. When we act on assumptions instead of understanding, we risk spreading panic where none is needed.
Knowledge Check
1. Who were the two main animals that built the house?
Lion and Hyena.
2. Why did both Lion and Hyena believe the house was prepared for them?
Each thought a kind spirit had provided materials to help them.
3. What role did the old woman play in the story?
She entered the house during a storm and, by offering food, unintentionally startled Hyena.
4. Why did Hyena believe the Giraffe was injured?
Because she mistook the red neckerchief around Giraffe’s neck for blood.
5. What caused the bush-wide panic among animals?
Lion and Hyena’s fear, combined with Giraffe’s appearance, spread panic to other creatures.
6. What key lesson does this folktale teach?
The importance of communication and avoiding assumptions that lead to fear and confusion.
Folktale Origin
Source: Wolof folktale, Senegal.
