In old Kano, the world’s first fire belonged to the sun, who loaned its sparks to creatures for cooking and warmth. Among them was Bat, clever and restless, who wore a coat of fine fur and a smile as sharp as okra thorns. He befriended Bush-Rat, a lazy neighbor with a liking for stories more than chores.
One cool evening, Bat invited Bush-Rat for stew. He borrowed palm oil from Squirrel and beans from Goat. The meal was rich; Bush-Rat ate till his eyes grew narrow with sleep. When Bat realized the pots were still hot and water scarce, he panicked. He fanned the flames too hard, the fire spread to the roof, and his house collapsed. In fright, he dragged Bush-Rat’s body to the ashes and fled.
At sunrise, the animals gathered at the smoldering hut. They found Bush-Rat’s bones and Bat’s wing prints. Goat shouted, Murder! The sun ordered a trial at noon. Bat hid in the mango grove, heart beating like drums for rain. Every bird he met asked, Why hide? He replied, The light knows too much. When the sun rose high, its rays scoured the earth for him, and he dove into a cave, swearing, I will fly only when the eye of judgment sleeps.
That night, the moon spoke from the sky: Guilt is a shadow that follows its owner. Bat emerged, wings folded, and whispered, If I cannot erase the past, let me serve the dark as messenger. He carried news between villages, fanning embers for travelers and guarding fires till dawn. Still, no animal forgave him fully, so he kept to night, half penance, half duty.
Moral: Those who fear truth live by shadows until they face light.
Author’s Note: In Hausa tradition, night often signifies both shame and reflection. This version treats the bat’s nocturnal habit as self-imposed exile born of guilt, framed by Sahelian ideas of justice and forgiveness.
Knowledge Check
Friendship: Who shares Bat’s meal? Answer: Bush-Rat.
Disaster: What destroys Bat’s house? Answer: His fire spreads.
Crime: What does Bat do out of fear? Answer: He hides Bush-Rat’s body.
Judgment: Who calls the trial? Answer: The sun.
Symbolism: What does night represent? Answer: Shame and reflection.
Lesson: How can Bat find peace? Answer: By facing truth and seeking forgiveness.
