Long ago, before your grandmother’s grandmother was born, the animals of the earth lived in unity and often gathered for celebrations. Among them was Tortoise, a creature known not only for his wit but also for his endless greed. He was clever, sharp, and persuasive, yet he always looked for ways to gain more than others.
One season, the birds of the forest received wonderful news. A message came from the Sky Spirit, announcing that a great feast would be held above the clouds. The invitation was filled with promises of heavenly food, fine dishes, and drinks sweeter than palm wine. Only the birds were invited, for they alone possessed the gift of flight.
Tortoise listened carefully when the birds spoke of their plans. His mouth watered as he imagined the feast. His greedy heart could not bear to be left behind. With cunning words, he approached the birds.
READ THIS:The Tortoise and the Drum
“Good friends,” said Tortoise, bowing politely, “I have shared many moments with you on the earth. Will you leave me behind when such a marvelous feast awaits in the sky? Lend me just a few of your feathers. With each feather tied together, I can make wings strong enough to fly beside you.”
The birds exchanged worried glances. They knew of Tortoise’s cunning ways, but his voice dripped with charm and flattery. At last, they agreed, each plucking one feather and handing it to him. Carefully, Tortoise tied them together until he had two broad wings. With a flap and a laugh, he lifted off the ground and joined them in the air.
The journey was long, but the feast above the clouds was worth it. When they reached the sky, a grand table stretched as far as the eye could see. Bowls overflowed with yam pottage. Golden maize steamed from woven baskets. Freshly roasted meat gave off rich scents, and pots of palm wine shimmered like the morning dew.
The birds cheered with excitement. Just then, the Sky Spirit appeared and welcomed the guests. “What names shall I use to serve you?” he asked kindly.
Tortoise’s eyes gleamed with mischief. He stepped forward and said, “In my people’s land, it is our custom that when we attend a feast, each guest takes a new name. Today, my name shall be All of You. Remember, everything served to All of You belongs to everyone.”
The Sky Spirit agreed and began to serve. Plate after plate was set down before Tortoise. Each time, he spread his arms and declared loudly, “This belongs to All of You, that is me!” He devoured every dish while the birds sat in silence. He drank all the palm wine, licked the oil from his fingers, and laughed with satisfaction.
The birds realized they had been tricked. Anger filled their hearts, but they kept quiet until the feast ended. When it was time to return to earth, they turned to Tortoise one by one.
“You are clever enough to eat alone,” said the first bird. “Then you must be clever enough to return alone.”
They plucked back their feathers, each taking what they had lent. Soon, Tortoise stood bare, his heavy body without wings. The birds flapped away, leaving him stranded among the clouds.
Fear gripped him. He looked down at the earth, far below, and called out desperately to his wife.
“Wife! Quickly! Gather all the soft things in our home, mats, cloth, and pillows, and spread them on the ground. I will jump, and they will save me from harm.”
His wife obeyed at once, but the neighbors who had heard of his greedy trick gathered around. They did not want his selfishness to go unpunished. So instead of soft mats, they spread out pounding stones, broken pots, and sharp sticks.
At last, Tortoise closed his eyes and leapt from the sky. Down, down, down he fell until he landed with a terrible crash. His shell shattered into many pieces. His wife ran to him and wept. Patiently, she picked up the broken pieces and mended them. Yet the cracks never disappeared.
From that day to this, Tortoise has carried the marks of his greed upon his back. His shell is lined with cracks, a reminder to all that selfishness brings pain and downfall.
Moral Lesson of The Tortoise and the Feast in the Sky
The story teaches that selfishness destroys trust and leads to ruin. Tortoise’s greed won him food for a short while, but it cost him his dignity and safety in the end. Life is richer when we share, when we act fairly, and when we care for others. A selfish person may win for a moment, but kindness and fairness always win in the end.
Knowledge Check on The Tortoise and the Feast in the Sky
Why was Tortoise determined to attend the feast in the sky?
Tortoise was determined to attend because he wanted to enjoy the delicious heavenly food, even though he was not invited.How did Tortoise convince the birds to help him fly?
He persuaded them with sweet words to lend him feathers, which he tied together to make wings.What trick did Tortoise play at the feast?
He named himself “All of You,” so that every dish served to “all of you” was claimed by him alone.Why did the birds take back their feathers from Tortoise?
They were angry that he had eaten all the food and decided to leave him stranded in the sky.What did Tortoise ask his wife to prepare for his fall?
He asked her to spread mats, cloth, and pillows on the ground to soften his landing.What do the cracks on the tortoise’s shell symbolize?
The cracks symbolize the lasting consequences of greed and selfishness.
Cultural Origin: Igbo, Nigeria
