Why Is the Tortoise So Slow? - A Timeless Tale from 11th Century Nigeria

Folklore, with its timeless tales and captivating characters, offers a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and cultural nuances of past societies. Deep within the heart of West Africa, in the vibrant tapestry of 11th-century Nigeria, emerged a story that continues to resonate across generations: “Why Is the Tortoise So Slow?”. This enchanting fable delves into themes of vanity, humility, and the consequences of deception, showcasing how wisdom often hides behind seemingly ordinary appearances.

The tale unfolds with the mischievous tortoise, a creature known for its cunning and unwavering ambition. He yearns to ascend the social ladder, envious of the swift birds soaring above and the nimble hares bounding through the savannah. The tortoise believes his slow pace hinders him from achieving greatness and embarks on a journey to change his fate.

His opportunity arrives when he encounters a gathering of animals preparing for a grand feast hosted by the king. Eager to impress, the tortoise devises a cunning plan. He approaches the birds and proposes a seemingly harmless competition: whoever reaches the feast first will be granted a coveted seat beside the king. The naive birds, blinded by their own speed, readily agree.

With a smug smile, the tortoise sets out on his journey. Instead of racing directly to the feast, he stealthily seeks the assistance of the clever spider. He persuades the spider to weave a strong web along the path leading to the feast. Once complete, the tortoise crawls onto the web and waits patiently for his unsuspecting rivals.

As the birds approach, they become entangled in the sticky web. Their struggles only tighten their capture, leaving them stranded and unable to reach the feast. The tortoise, witnessing their predicament with a mix of amusement and triumph, slowly ambles toward the gathering, claiming victory over the swift contenders.

He arrives at the feast just as the king is preparing to seat his honored guests. With feigned humility, the tortoise recounts his “incredible” journey, boasting about how he outpaced the birds and arrived first. The king, impressed by the tortoise’s tale, offers him a place of honor beside him.

However, fate intervenes in the form of a wise old owl who witnessed the tortoise’s deception. In a booming voice, the owl exposes the truth, revealing the tortoise’s elaborate plan to the astonished crowd.

The king, initially amused by the tortoise’s audacity, is now enraged by his dishonesty. As punishment for his treachery, the king decrees that the tortoise shall forever bear the consequence of his actions: slowness.

From that day forward, the tortoise remained bound to its sluggish pace. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder that true success lies not in deceit or superficial achievements but in honesty, humility, and genuine effort. The fable highlights the folly of envying others’ perceived advantages and underscores the importance of accepting oneself for who they are.

“Why Is the Tortoise So Slow?” is more than just a children’s story; it delves into universal themes applicable to all ages and cultures:

Through its engaging narrative and relatable characters, “Why Is the Tortoise So Slow?” continues to captivate audiences centuries after its origin. It reminds us that true worth lies not in external appearances or superficial achievements but in our inner qualities and how we treat others. This timeless fable serves as a powerful reminder to embrace honesty, humility, and the pursuit of genuine success.