Long ago, in the heart of an Ashanti village in Ghana, lived a king who ruled with wisdom and strength. This king was blessed with three beautiful daughters, and he had promised that whoever could answer his riddle truthfully would win the hand of one of the princesses. The riddle was not one of words, but of action for the king simply declared: “Whoever can speak wisely before me shall marry my daughter.”
Among the many creatures who lived in that kingdom was Anansi, the clever trickster spider. Known for his cunning schemes, Anansi was never one to let opportunity slip from his web. Watching closely was the quiet Lizard, who, though slow to speak, was honest and wise in his own way.
When the time came, the lizard prepared to speak before the king. But Anansi, fearing that he might lose, devised a cruel trick. He secretly placed honey fruit on the bathing stones where the lizard often refreshed himself. As expected, the lizard ate greedily, sticky juice dripping down his chin. Anansi then scattered rooster’s feathers around, making it appear as though the lizard had stolen and eaten the king’s prized rooster.
The next day, when all the animals and people gathered in the king’s court, the lizard stepped forward to speak. But before he could utter a word, Anansi shouted:
“Look at him! See how guilty he looks. Feathers still cling to his side, and honey stains his mouth. Surely he has committed a crime!”
All eyes turned to the lizard. The king, stern and watchful, demanded he defend himself. But the lizard, remembering the trap, dared not open his mouth. He feared that if he spoke, more lies would be woven against him. So he bowed his head up and down in silence, unable to clear his name.
The court gasped. The king declared that because the lizard refused to speak, he had failed the test of wisdom. The marriage prize was given to another, and the lizard left the palace in shame. From that day on, it is said that the lizard bows his head continually up and down, up and down forever carrying the weight of that moment when trickery stole his voice.
Moral of the Story
This Ashanti folktale teaches that silence, though sometimes wise, can also cost us dearly when lies are at play. It warns against deceitful tricks like Anansi’s but also reminds us that those who do not speak for themselves risk being misunderstood.
Knowledge Check
1: What is the cultural origin of the story “Why the Lizard Moves His Head”?
The story comes from Ashanti folklore of Ghana.
2: Why did the lizard lose his chance to marry the princess?
He remained silent in the king’s court because he feared Anansi’s trick.
3: What trick did Anansi play on the lizard?
He placed honey fruit and scattered feathers to make the lizard appear guilty of theft.
4: Why does the lizard nod his head up and down today, according to the tale?
As a reminder of the day he lost his voice and his chance because of trickery.
5: What is the main lesson of this Ashanti folktale?
Deceit can destroy trust, and silence in the face of lies can cause lasting harm.
6: Which character represents cunning trickery in the story?
Anansi the spider, a famous trickster figure in West African folklore.
Source: Ashanti folktale, Ghana
