It was a terrible day in the forest, especially for the animals that lived only on grass and leaves. The lion, the fiercest hunter of all, had killed many of their friends, and fear spread through every corner of the land. The gentle creatures gathered together, restless and anxious, searching for a way to live without the constant terror of the lion and his kind. But no matter how hard they thought, they could not find a solution.
Tiny Titi, the little bird, heard of their suffering and decided to step forward.
“Shall I bury your worry?” asked Titi.
The buffalo frowned at the small creature and said unkindly, “How can you? None of us, tall and strong, has been able to stop the lion. Who are you compared to us?”
“What harm can it do if you let me try?” Titi replied gently.
The giraffe shook his long neck. “Troublesome fellows like you only make matters worse. How could you possibly help?”
The eland added sternly, “It is better you stay quiet, Titi. We must find a way ourselves.”
Titi did not give up. “This is the last time I shall ask. Let me try to overcome the lion in my own way, while you decide on your plan. Do you object?”
The wise elephant, speaking for all, finally said, “Very well. Do what you can, but see that you do not add to our troubles.”
With joy in her heart, Titi flew high into the sky, leaving the animals where they stood, still confused and hopeless.
READ: Why the Zebra Remained Hornless: A Bemba Folktale from Zambia
When Titi spotted the lion, she perched boldly on a branch and called out:
“I greet you, Lion, king of the forest. But soon you shall be shamed, for you cannot even catch a bird like me!”
The lion roared in anger. Never before had anyone dared insult him. He had always hunted down great animals, never wasting time on small birds. Yet today, this tiny creature had pointed out his weakness, and his pride burned.
“Suppose I catch you and eat you, Titi?” he growled.
“I will speak to you from inside your stomach, proud lion!” Titi sang teasingly.
The lion scoffed. “How can such a small bird speak after being chewed and swallowed? I have eaten many animals, even men, and none ever spoke from my belly.”
Still, Titi circled above him, chanting: “Titi tit! I will speak to you! I will speak to you!”
The lion leapt, snapping at the air, until at last he caught her in his paw. “Now I have you,” he said, triumphant. “I shall chew you, swallow you, and then we will see if you can still speak.”
He tossed Titi into his open jaws, but just as he did, she bit his tongue sharply. The lion gasped, sucking in a deep breath, and with that, Titi slid down his throat into his stomach.
The lion laughed, thinking he had won. He strutted through the forest, singing:
“I caught the bird easily,
I did not chew her,
But she is in my stomach.
Small and big,
All creatures I kill.”
But from inside his belly came Titi’s voice:
“Run away, animals! The lion wants to eat you!”
The buffalo herd nearby heard the warning and fled. The lion looked around, baffled, he could hear Titi, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Again, he sang and boasted as he went, but when he reached a herd of elands, Titi cried out again from inside him:
“Run away, animals! The lion wants to eat you!”
The elands scattered in fear. The lion grew hungrier, weaker, and angrier. Herd after herd escaped because of Titi’s warnings. For days he went without food. His body grew thin, his strength drained away, and at last, prideful and starving, he fell to the ground and died.
From his mouth, Titi fluttered out, free once more. She flew from tree to tree, spreading the news: “The lion is dead! His pride has destroyed him!”
All the animals rejoiced. They gathered to celebrate their freedom and agreed that Tiny Titi should be honoured forever. To show respect, they decided that Titi would be free to ride on the back of any animal she wished, whenever she pleased.
Moral Lesson
This tale reminds us that true strength does not always lie in size or power. Pride and arrogance can lead to downfall, while courage, intelligence, and persistence, even from the smallest among us — can bring great victories. The story also teaches that wisdom often comes from unexpected places, and those who are humble enough to listen may find salvation where they least expect it.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Who was the main threat to the animals in this story?
A1: The lion, who hunted and killed many of the grass-eating animals.
Q2: Why did the other animals doubt Titi’s ability to help?
A2: They believed she was too small and weak compared to the powerful lion.
Q3: How did Titi trick the lion into swallowing her?
A3: She teased him until he caught her, then bit his tongue so he inhaled and swallowed her whole.
Q4: What did Titi do from inside the lion’s stomach?
A4: She warned other animals of the lion’s approach, saving them from being hunted.
Q5: What caused the lion’s eventual death?
A5: His pride and inability to hunt successfully while Titi spoiled his plans, leading to starvation.
Q6: What honour did the animals give to Titi after the lion’s death?
A6: They agreed she could ride freely on the back of any animal as a mark of respect.
Folktale Origin
Source: Bemba folktales, Folktales of Zambia by Chiman L. Vyas (1969), Zambia
