Long ago in the village of Seva in the Volta Region, there were twins who were unlike any other children. From the moment they were born, the elders whispered that they carried a spark of the supernatural. Their cries were in rhythm, their laughter was like music, and when they looked into each other’s eyes, it seemed as though they could hear unspoken thoughts. The people respected them, for twins were seen as powerful beings, and their lives often brought both blessings and responsibilities.
One day, the elders of the land gathered and presented the twins with a remarkable gift. It was a drum unlike any seen before, a drum that could speak the truth. When its skin was struck, it did not merely echo sound. Instead, it spoke with a voice clear and strong, revealing secrets, exposing lies, and guiding people to fairness. The elders told the twins that the drum was theirs to keep, but only as long as they used it together, for the spirit of the drum recognized their unity as its strength.
The twins accepted the sacred gift with joy and solemnity. They promised to care for it and to use it wisely. As they grew older, they brought the drum with them to village gatherings. Whenever there was a quarrel, the people turned to the drum. Two neighbors might fight over a boundary, or families might disagree about a bride price. When the drum was struck, it spoke, revealing the truth in words no one could deny. The people trusted its voice and came to rely on the twins to bring peace and justice to their community.
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The fame of the drum spread beyond Seva. Travelers came from distant villages to see the wonder of the talking drum and to ask the twins for help in solving disputes. The twins welcomed them and listened carefully before striking the drum. Each time, the truth came forth, and peace was restored. The people rejoiced and praised the wisdom of the twins and the magical power of their drum.
But as time went on, pride began to grow. One twin started to believe that his own wisdom was enough, that he no longer needed his brother by his side to guide the drum. He thought, “Why should the drum only speak when we both are present? I, too, have strength. I will play it alone and show that I am just as powerful.”
One evening, when his brother was away, he struck the drum by himself. But instead of speaking truth, the drum groaned with a heavy, broken sound. Its voice was distorted and unclear, and no one could understand its message. The people gasped. They realized that the drum had lost its power without the unity of the twins. The disappointed villagers turned away, murmuring that the twins must never forget their bond, for their strength lay in togetherness.
When the other twin returned and heard what had happened, he was sorrowful. He reminded his brother of the elders’ warning, that the drum’s power depended on their unity. Ashamed, the first twin apologized, and together they struck the drum once more. Immediately its clear voice returned, strong and true, revealing wisdom and restoring peace among the people. From that day, the twins never allowed pride to come between them again. They learned that their bond was sacred and that the power of the drum was not in one, but in both.
The story of the twins and the talking drum was told for generations in Seva. It reminded families, friends, and communities that truth and justice flourish only when people work together. No single person can carry the full weight of wisdom, but when unity guides action, harmony follows.
Moral Lesson: The tale of the twins and the talking drum teaches that unity is strength. Just as the drum spoke truth only when the twins worked together, families and communities find true power when they remain united. Pride and envy can silence truth, but humility and cooperation bring justice and harmony.
Knowledge Check
What special gift did the twins receive from the elders?
Answer: They received a magical talking drum that revealed truth and settled disputes.How did the talking drum help the community?
Answer: The drum spoke the truth, resolved quarrels, and brought peace and justice to the people.Why did the drum lose its power when one twin played it alone?
Answer: Because the drum’s strength came from the unity of both twins, and without that unity, it could not speak clearly.What lesson did the twins learn after one tried to use the drum alone?
Answer: They learned that pride weakens power and that their bond and cooperation were necessary for the drum to work.What is the main theme of The Twins and the Talking Drum?
Answer: The main theme is that unity and cooperation are essential for truth, justice, and harmony.How is this story meaningful for families and communities today?
Answer: It reminds people that working together with humility and unity ensures fairness, peace, and collective strength.
Source: Ewe folktale, Seva, Volta Region. Recorded by Kofi Dorvlo in Verba Africana: Ewe Stories and Storytellers(2005).
