Long ago, when sickness and death haunted villages, the people of Equatorial Guinea often abandoned their settlements, believing malevolent spirits infested the land. Even the beasts of the forest followed this custom. They cleared forests, built homes, and planted food, but when misfortune struck, they would leave it all behind in search of peace. Among them lived Kudu the Tortoise, a small creature with a sharp mind, and Nja the Leopard, fierce and proud. Their tale is one of rivalry, vengeance, and clever survival.
The First Settlements
Tortoise, desiring independence, left the crowded settlement and built his own town, naming it Malendema-Kudu. Word spread quickly, and soon all the animals spoke of “Malendema-Kudu, the town of Tortoise.” Leopard, hearing of its fame, came and said, “Kudu, I have come to build here.”
Tortoise allowed it. “Build, if you wish,” he said. Leopard chose the end of the path near the spring and raised his home there. But Leopard was not a peaceful neighbor. One day, as a child of Tortoise walked past the spring, Leopard seized him, ku! Another day, another child, ku!
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Grief-stricken, Tortoise sighed, “This place is evil. I must leave.” He abandoned Malendema-Kudu and built another settlement, naming it Jamba. Once again, Leopard followed. “Kudu! I will build here too,” he announced. Though wary, Tortoise allowed it, and Leopard again chose the spring. Soon, Tortoise’s children began to disappear whenever they passed.
Leopard’s Treachery Grows
Day after day, the killings continued. Tortoise wept as his family grew smaller, certain now that Leopard was the cause. Yet when he moved once more, building a new town called Dang, Leopard followed again like a shadow. The animals praised this place, “Dang, the town of Kudu!”, but Leopard’s cruelty remained the same. Tortoise’s children vanished, one after the other.
Weary of mourning, Tortoise decided to act. “This destruction must end,” he thought. “I must find a way to save my family and repay Leopard for his wickedness.”
A Secret Plan with Wild-Rat
Calling Ko the Wild-Rat in secret, Tortoise whispered, “I hear you know how to dig.” Wild-Rat nodded proudly. “It is my work.”
“Then dig me a tunnel,” said Tortoise. “Let it begin in my room and stretch to the street, hidden beneath the earth.” Wild-Rat worked skillfully, carving a wide tunnel large enough for Tortoise, his traveling bag, and his spears.
When it was finished, Tortoise gathered his belongings and prepared his trick. The next morning, he called all the beasts to his town square. They came in great numbers, filling the place with noise and curiosity.
Tortoise stood before them and declared, “Friends, I have seen what lies beyond this life! My children, taken from me, I met them again in the Reception-House of the Father of Spirits. They were laughing, playing! This world is nothing; only the grave is a true dwelling.”
The beasts murmured. Some scoffed, “It is a dream!” Others sneered, “A lie!” But Tortoise pressed on. “If you doubt me, dig me a grave, and you shall see. I will enter it for six days and return.”
The Great Deception
Eager to witness his proof, the animals dug a deep pit at the spot Tortoise pointed out, directly above his secret tunnel. With his spears and bag under his arm, Tortoise descended into the pit and ordered, “Cover me with earth!” They filled it completely. But Tortoise slipped quietly into his tunnel, unseen, and returned to his home, where he lay hidden for six days.
On the seventh day, he appeared in the street alive and strong. The beasts gasped in wonder. “Over there is beautiful!” he declared. “I will not remain long in this world. From now on, I will spend three days here, two days there.” His fame spread wide, and he was honored as one who traveled between worlds.
Leopard’s Envy
Jealousy burned in Leopard’s heart. “Even Kudu can go to that place! Why not I?” He ordered his children to dig him a pit. “I will remain seven days and return on the eighth,” he boasted.
He descended into the pit, and his children buried him as he commanded. But unlike Tortoise, Leopard had no tunnel. He searched for a path to the Land of Spirits, but there was none. Trapped beneath the earth, he suffocated and died.
His family waited eight days, then nine, but he never returned. Hungry and despairing, they asked Tortoise, “What has happened to our father?”
Tortoise shrugged slyly. “Why ask me? Perhaps he stayed there, enjoying the pleasures of that place.” The people soon abandoned hope. Leopard’s body rotted in the earth, while Tortoise quietly gathered his family and fled into the forest to live far away.
Moral of the Story
This tale teaches that envy and cruelty bring destruction, while patience and wisdom ensure survival. Leopard, blinded by pride, copied what he did not understand and lost his life. Tortoise, though small and vulnerable, protected his family through foresight and planning. True strength lies not in power or fierceness, but in wisdom, patience, and the ability to learn from suffering.
Knowledge Check
Who are the main characters in the story?
Kudu the Tortoise, Nja the Leopard, and Ko the Wild-Rat.
Why did Tortoise keep moving his settlements?
Because Leopard repeatedly killed his children near the spring.
What role did Wild-Rat play in Tortoise’s plan?
He dug a secret tunnel to help Tortoise escape the pit.
How did Tortoise trick the other animals into believing his tale?
By hiding in the tunnel and reappearing after six days.
Why did Leopard decide to enter the pit?
He envied Tortoise’s supposed journey to the Land of Spirits.
What is the key lesson of the story?
Wisdom and patience protect, while envy and cruelty lead to ruin.
Source: Equatorial Guinean folktale
