Long ago in a small coastal village, there lived a wealthy woman who had everything except the one thing she desired most a child. Her temper often got the better of her whenever people reminded her of her barrenness. Though she had gold, farmland, and servants, her heart was restless, and her temper made her bitter toward others who had children.
One morning, while walking by the seashore, the woman’s temper drove her into restless pacing, kicking at the sand. Suddenly, she saw something lying in the tide. It was a strange, glowing object, smooth as polished stone but alive with whispers of the sea. She picked it up and, to her amazement, it spoke. It asked her what she desired most. Controlling her temper, she confessed softly that she longed for a child more than wealth or power. The mysterious being told her that her wish would be granted, and indeed, within a season, she gave birth to a son.
Her temper, however, did not vanish with her joy. The boy grew quickly, bright and fearless. One day, while exploring the bush, he fell into a deep hole. A kind hunter passing by heard his cries and rushed to save him. Inside the hole were many trapped creatures snakes, birds, and wild animals. With great effort, the hunter used a long pole to rescue the boy and free the animals. The grateful creatures each gave the hunter a gift. Snake, with calm dignity, offered a precious medicine that could cure any snakebite, saying, “It is all I can give, but it may save a life when temper brings danger.”
The hunter returned home rich with jewels, gold, and gifts. But his friend, consumed by jealousy, allowed his temper to rule him. He ran to the chief and falsely accused the hunter of stealing jewels from the royal palace. The chief, enraged by the theft, ordered the hunter’s arrest. Without listening to his side, the chief’s temper condemned him to death.
As the hunter was being prepared for execution, sudden wails filled the palace. The chief’s daughter had been bitten by a snake, and no healer could save her. The court was thrown into confusion. Remembering the medicine Snake had given him, the hunter offered to help. With calm hands, he applied the remedy, and within moments, the girl’s breathing steadied, and she was saved. The chief, ashamed of his temper and quick judgment, freed the hunter and rewarded him with honor.
The jealous friend, whose temper and envy had caused this disaster, was seized and punished. His fate was a warning to all that temper mixed with jealousy can destroy even the closest bonds. The hunter, however, lived long with respect and riches, never forgetting the lesson that temper, when uncontrolled, can ruin lives, but when mastered, can save them.
Moral of the Story
The tale teaches that temper is powerful: uncontrolled, it leads to destruction and betrayal; guided with patience, it brings healing and redemption. Guard your temper, for it can either be your downfall or your strength.
Knowledge Check: African Folktale Wisdom
1. What is the moral lesson of “The Power of the Temper”?
The moral is that temper must be controlled, for it can bring either ruin or redemption depending on how it is handled.
2. How did the hunter benefit from saving the animals in the hole?
The hunter received gifts of gold, jewels, and the precious snakebite medicine, which later saved the chief’s daughter.
3. Why did the chief initially condemn the hunter?
The chief, ruled by his temper, believed the false accusation of theft without proper judgment.
4. How did the snake’s medicine prove the value of controlling temper?
It saved the chief’s daughter, showing that wisdom and calmness can overcome panic and rash temper.
5. What role did jealousy and temper play in the hunter’s friend’s downfall?
His temper fueled envy, leading him to betray the hunter, which eventually caused his own punishment.
6. Why is temper seen as both dangerous and powerful in African folktales?
Because temper can destroy friendships, justice, and peace if uncontrolled, but can also be a source of courage and protection when mastered.
Adapted from African oral tradition, collected in Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria (Elphinstone Dayrell, 1910).
