Long ago in the deep forests of Cameroon, the animals lived together in a fragile balance. They shared the rivers, the trees, and the skies. Among them lived Bat, a strange creature with wings like a bird but teeth like a beast. Bat was clever, always searching for ways to outsmart the others. He could be charming when he wanted, yet selfish when hunger or fear drove him. His cleverness often helped him survive, but it also made him proud and careless.
One year, a terrible famine struck the forest. The rains came late, and fruits withered before ripening. The rivers shrank, and fish became scarce. The animals grew thin, and hunger made even the gentlest of them quarrel. Among them was Bush Rat, a hard working creature who gathered food and stored it carefully. While others starved, Bush Rat had a secret store of grains, roots, and dried meat hidden in his burrow.
Bat, always watching, discovered Bush Rat’s secret. One evening, when the moon was full and the forest lay silent, Bat visited Bush Rat. He spoke sweetly, flattering him. “Brother,” said Bat, “you are the wisest of all animals. While others starve, you have plenty. Surely you would not let your friend die of hunger. Let us share like true brothers.”
Bush Rat, though cautious, felt pity for Bat. He agreed to share, and together they feasted. The dried meat was tender, the roots filling, and the grains rich. Bat licked his lips and praised Bush Rat’s kindness. From then on, Bat returned often, eating from the store.
But Bat’s greed grew. He wanted more than Bush Rat was willing to give. One night, after Bush Rat had fallen asleep, Bat sneaked into the burrow and stole much of the food. When Bush Rat awoke and saw what had been done, he was furious. He called a meeting of the animals and told them of Bat’s betrayal.
The animals gathered under the great iroko tree. Elephant roared in anger. Leopard snarled. Monkey laughed at Bat’s trickery, but even he knew it was wrong. Bat stood before them, wings trembling but voice steady. “I am innocent,” he declared. “It was not I who stole the food. Perhaps Bush Rat ate more than he remembers.”
The animals murmured, unsure. Bat’s words were smooth, and doubt began to spread. But Bush Rat was not ready to be shamed. He devised a plan. “If you doubt me,” said Bush Rat, “then let us cook together. We shall make a great soup, and each of us will take a share. Then we shall see who betrays the other.”
The animals agreed. They brought what little food they had left and placed it in a large pot. Bat pretended to help, but his mind was on trickery. As the soup boiled, the smell spread through the forest, rich and tempting. When it was ready, the animals sat around to eat.
Bat, sly and greedy, told Bush Rat, “Brother, let us eat together, side by side.” Bush Rat agreed, though he watched Bat carefully. They ate with speed, both hungry and desperate. But Bat, clever and deceptive, played a trick. He hid the bones of the meat under Bush Rat’s mat, making it look as though Bush Rat had eaten more than his share.
When the animals saw the bones, they grew angry. “Bush Rat is greedy,” they cried. “He has eaten beyond his portion!” Bush Rat protested, swearing his innocence, but Bat smiled and pretended to be shocked. The animals believed Bat, and in their fury they drove Bush Rat away from the gathering.
But fate is never fooled for long. That night, as Bat flew to the river to drink, he overheard some animals talking. “Bat is clever,” they whispered, “but too clever for his own good. He will trick us all if we are not careful.” The words spread quickly. Soon, the truth of Bat’s treachery was revealed, and the animals turned against him.
When Bat heard they were hunting him, he panicked. He knew that Bush Rat, though wronged, would not protect him. From that day forward, Bat no longer dared to fly in the light of the sun. He became a creature of the night, hiding in caves and hollow trees until the darkness covered his wings. And so it is said that Bat hides from the day, ashamed of his deceit and fearful of the punishment of the animals.
Moral Lesson of Why the Bat Hides in the Day
The story of Why the Bat Hides in the Day teaches that deceit may succeed for a moment but truth always rises. Greed and lies may bring short term gain, yet they lead to lasting shame. The bat hides from the sun because he could not face the light of honesty. The tale reminds us that honesty builds trust, while trickery isolates even the cleverest of beings.
Knowledge Check
- What is the main lesson in the folktale Why the Bat Hides in the Day?
The folktale teaches that dishonesty and greed lead to shame and isolation, while truth and fairness create trust and respect. - Why did the bat begin hiding during the day according to the story?
The bat hides in the daytime because he betrayed Bush Rat and feared the anger of the other animals after his lies were discovered. - How did the bat trick Bush Rat in the tale Why the Bat Hides in the Day?
The bat hid the bones of the meat under Bush Rat’s mat, making it appear that Bush Rat had eaten more than his share of food. - What caused the famine in the folktale Why the Bat Hides in the Day?
The famine was caused by late rains that dried the fruits, shrank the rivers, and left the animals of the forest hungry and desperate. - What role does Bush Rat play in the story of Why the Bat Hides in the Day?
Bush Rat serves as the honest but wronged character who becomes the victim of Bat’s deceit, showing the consequences of misplaced trust. - How does Why the Bat Hides in the Day reflect Baka cultural storytelling?
The story reflects Baka storytelling by blending animal fables with moral lessons that explain natural behavior, teaching values of honesty and fairness.
Cultural Origin
This tale comes from the Baka people of Cameroon, whose oral traditions often use animal characters to explain natural behaviors and pass on lessons of morality.
