Long ago, in the days when animals could still speak and reason like humans, the cows of the land gathered for an important meeting. It was no ordinary gathering, but a council of great importance. The cows, with their sturdy bodies and gentle eyes, decided that they would travel together to the great market.
The market, as every creature in the land knew, was not just a place to buy and sell, it was the very heart of trade, chatter, and life. Traders from faraway villages would come with baskets of grain, pots of oil, and bolts of cloth dyed in the richest colors. It was a place where fortunes were made and alliances forged. The cows, being well-respected creatures, wished to join in this tradition.
So each cow prepared herself carefully for the journey. They adorned their hides with leaves to keep away dust, and more importantly, they each carried heavy purses filled with money. They intended to buy good food, useful tools, and fine things to take back home. Their hooves beat the earth in rhythm as they made their way toward the market, their purses jingling with wealth.
But not all eyes that watched them were friendly.
The flies, those restless little creatures, buzzed about in clouds, their wings glistening in the sunlight. They were always hungry, always searching for scraps and favors. When they saw the cows carrying their purses and marching toward the market, their tiny eyes lit up with mischief.
“Ah!” the flies whispered among themselves. “The cows are rich today. They are going to the market with plenty of money. Surely, they will come back with bags full of food. Let us follow them, and when the time is right, we shall ask for our share.”
And so, in a noisy cloud, the flies followed the cows.
The market was alive with sound when the cows arrived. Sellers shouted praises for their goods: “Fresh yams! Sweet palm wine! Cloth as bright as the sunrise!” The cows moved from stall to stall, spending their coins freely. They bought baskets of vegetables, bundles of grass, and other fine things that pleased their eyes.
The flies watched closely. Their wings beat faster with excitement as they imagined the feast they would enjoy. At last, when the cows’ horns were loaded with purchases and their purses nearly empty, the flies swarmed forward.
“Friends,” the flies buzzed politely, “you have bought many good things today. Surely you can spare us a little food. We ask only for a small share. Feed us, and we will go our way in peace.”
The cows looked at one another. Their eyes rolled with irritation. They had worked hard to gather their wealth and had spent wisely at the market. They saw no reason to share their bounty with the flies, who had given nothing, contributed nothing, and only followed them like shadows.
One cow, bolder than the rest, shook her horns and answered:
“We owe you nothing. You have not toiled, you have not spent. Why should we share our food with you? Go away and leave us in peace.”
At these words, the flies grew furious. Their buzzing turned sharp and angry.
“Very well,” they cried in unison, “if you will not share your food, then hear our oath: From this day forward, we shall never leave you in peace. As long as cows live upon the earth, we flies will trouble them. We will follow you wherever you go, land on your hides, bite at your ears, and swarm around your eyes. You will never escape us.”
The cows flicked their tails and tried to drive the flies away, but the curse had already taken hold. From that day until now, the flies have never left the cows in peace. No matter how the cows graze quietly in the fields, or rest beneath the shade of trees, the flies are always there—buzzing, biting, bothering them without end.
And thus, the quarrel of long ago still plays out in pastures today.
Moral of the Story
This folktale teaches us that generosity prevents bitterness. When someone poor or powerless asks for a little kindness, it is wise to give what we can. Refusing may lead not only to resentment but also to lasting consequences. A small act of generosity can save a lifetime of trouble.
Knowledge Check
1. Who are the main characters in the folktale Why the Flies Bother the Cows?
The main characters are the cows, who go to the market, and the flies, who ask them for food.
2. Why did the flies follow the cows to the market?
The flies followed because they saw the cows carrying money and hoped to receive food.
3. How did the cows respond when the flies asked for food?
The cows refused to share their purchases, saying the flies had done nothing to deserve them.
4. What was the flies’ punishment for the cows’ refusal?
The flies vowed to bother the cows forever, buzzing and biting them wherever they went.
5. What moral lesson does this African folktale teach?
The tale teaches that refusing generosity can lead to lasting enmity, while sharing brings peace.
6. What cultural origin does this story belong to?
This story is an African folktale that reflects values of generosity, cooperation, and consequences of greed.
Source: Nigerian folktale
