Once there lived a mighty king who longed for the greatest prize of all: the elephant. The king admired the elephant’s size, strength, and majesty, and he desired to keep it as part of his royal collection. Yet despite his efforts, the prize had remained out of reach. Many skilled hunters in the kingdom had tried and failed. None could capture the giant of the forest.
Determined, the king made an extraordinary promise. He declared before his people that anyone who could capture the elephant would be rewarded with half of his kingdom. The hunters rejoiced at the offer and tried harder than ever, but still, they returned empty handed.
When the tortoise heard the king’s challenge, he made his way to the palace. He bowed before the king and said, “Great ruler, I am ready to capture the elephant for you.” The king laughed heartily. “You? Even my strongest hunters failed. How could a small creature like you succeed?” But the tortoise remained calm. “Give me two days, and I will deliver the elephant to your gates.” The king, both amused and curious, agreed.
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The tortoise left the palace and began to work on his plan. He selected a path leading directly into the village, a road the elephant often used when wandering the forest. There, the tortoise dug a massive hole, deep and wide enough to swallow the mighty elephant. When the pit was ready, he covered it with branches, sticks, and leaves until it looked just like the forest floor. To any passerby, the trap was invisible.
With the trap complete, the tortoise set out to find the elephant. He approached the great beast and greeted him respectfully. “Noble elephant,” he said, “do you not know that you are the largest and strongest animal in the forest? Truly, you should be king.”
The elephant tilted his head. He had never thought of himself as a king, but the idea pleased him. His chest swelled with pride as the tortoise continued. “The people of the village have chosen you. They wait eagerly for your arrival so they may crown you their ruler. Come with me, and I will lead you to your throne.”
Excitement filled the elephant’s heart. He agreed, and the tortoise decorated him with colorful beads and ornaments to make him look like royalty. Beating a gong and singing songs of praise, the tortoise led the way proudly toward the village.
At last, they reached the hidden trap. The tortoise, being light, crossed easily over the branches. The elephant, too heavy to notice the danger, followed behind. With a loud crash, the earth gave way beneath him, and he tumbled into the deep pit. The tortoise looked down and smiled. His plan had worked perfectly.
He hurried back to the palace to inform the king. The hunters, villagers, and the king himself rushed to see the captured elephant lying helpless in the hole. True to his word, the king declared, “The tortoise has succeeded where all others have failed. He shall receive half of my kingdom.”
And so, the smallest of creatures outsmarted the mightiest of animals, proving that wisdom often triumphs over brute strength
Moral Lesson of The Tortoise Captures the Elephant
This story teaches us that intelligence and strategy can achieve what strength alone cannot. The tortoise was not stronger than the elephant, yet he used his mind to solve a challenge that others could not. It reminds us that no matter how small or underestimated we may be, wisdom, patience, and clever planning can open doors to great rewards.
Knowledge Check: The Tortoise Captures the Elephant
What was the king’s promise in The Tortoise Captures the Elephant?
The king promised to give half of his kingdom to anyone who could capture the elephant.Why did the tortoise believe he could succeed when the hunters failed?
The tortoise trusted in his cleverness and planned to use strategy rather than strength.How did the tortoise prepare to capture the elephant?
He dug a deep hole along the elephant’s path and disguised it with sticks and leaves.What trick did the tortoise use to lead the elephant into the trap?
He convinced the elephant that the villagers wanted to crown him as their king.What happened when the elephant followed the tortoise into the village?
The elephant stepped on the hidden trap and fell into the pit.What is the main lesson from The Tortoise Captures the Elephant?
The story shows that wisdom and intelligence are more powerful than size and strength.Cultural Origin: Ghanaian Folktale, West Africa
