West African Folk-Tales — Chronicle
Ordered by tale. No event in this book could be dated from the text, so it is not dated — no anchor, no chronology; a date is never inferred. Time expressions are copied from the text as written. Every event links back to one sentence of the original.
⭐ Constellation map → · 📖 Read the original → · 🗂 Character index → · 📍 Places →
229 events · no event could be dated from the text
Undated
Tale 1 · How We Got the Name ‘Spider Tales’ · Next day
Anansi boa-constrictor (Tale 1) Nyankupon
The boa innocently laid himself out straight, and Spider lost no time in tying him on to the stick from end to end. He then sent him to Nyankupon.
Tale 1 · How We Got the Name ‘Spider Tales’ · 📍 [[Nyankupon’s house]] · The third day
Anansi Tiger (Tale 1) Nyankupon
Having thus made the tiger helpless, he led him straight to Nyankupon’s house.
Tale 2 · How Wisdom Became the Property of the Human Race · 📍 [[Fanti-land]]
He set to work at once to gather again all that he had already given. When he had succeeded, as he thought, in collecting it, he placed all in one great pot.
Tale 2 · How Wisdom Became the Property of the Human Race · 📍 [[the forest]] · Next day
At last, unable to contain himself any longer, he cried out: “Father, why do you not hang the pot on your back? Then you could easily climb the tree.”
Tale 2 · How Wisdom Became the Property of the Human Race · 📍 [[the forest]]
In his anger he threw the pot down. It struck on a great rock and broke. The wisdom contained in it escaped and spread throughout the world.
Tale 3 · Anansi and Nothing · While they were on their way
Anansi persuaded Nothing to change clothes for a little while, promising to give back the fine velvet before they reached the town. He delayed doing this, however, first on one pretext, then on another—till they arrived at their destination.
Tale 3 · Anansi and Nothing · 📍 [[neighbouring town]] · At last
At last, however, a woman took pity on him and gave him her daughter.
Tale 3 · Anansi and Nothing
Nothing’s wife was queen over the whole district and had everything her heart could desire.
Tale 3 · Anansi and Nothing · 📍 [[her palace]]
The wife of Nothing heard of her friends’ miserable state and invited them to a great feast in her palace. They came, and were so pleased with all they saw that they agreed to stay there.
Tale 3 · Anansi and Nothing · 📍 [[the ditch]] · At last
As he placed his foot on the first step, of course he slipped, and down he fell into the hole. The noise alarmed the household. Lights were fetched and Nothing was found in the ditch, so much wounded by the knives that he soon died.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi
Better keep the pot a secret—then I can enjoy a meal when I want one.” So, his mind full of this thought, he hid the pot.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi
At last, Anansi, feeling hungry, entered his room and closed the door. Next he took the pot, and had a fine meal.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi · As soon as he was safely out of sight
As soon as he was safely out of sight, Kweku Tsin fetched out the pot and called all his hungry family to come at once.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi · 📍 [[the village]]
When they had finished, Mrs. Anansi—to punish her husband—said she would take the pot down to the village and give everybody a meal. This she did—but alas! in working to prepare so much food at one time, the pot grew too hot and melted away.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi · As soon as it was light
He went to the hiding-place—it was empty! He looked around in consternation. No pot was to be seen anywhere.
Tale 4 · Thunder and Anansi
The stick began to beat him so severely that, in a few minutes, he was obliged to jump into the water and swim ashore, leaving boat and stick to drift away where they pleased.
Tale 5 · Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down · One day
the King
One day their father made a proclamation that his three daughters would be given as wives to any man who could find out their names.
Tale 5 · Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down
When she tasted it, she called out to her sisters by name to exclaim on its sweetness.
Tale 5 · Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down · 📍 [[the King’s palace]] · Early next morning
the King Lizard
He accordingly gave them to Mr Lizard.
Tale 5 · Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down · 📍 [[Lizard’s house]] · As soon as night fell
There he quietly cooked the cock, placed the feathers under Lizard’s bed, and put some of the flesh on a dish close to Lizard’s hand. The wicked Anansi then took some boiling water and poured it into poor Lizard’s mouth, thus making him dumb.
Tale 5 · Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down · When morning came
the King Lizard
They thought he was refusing to speak, so dragged him before the King.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · 📍 [[the forest]] · One day
One day, Anansi’s eldest son—Kweku Tsin—to his great joy, discovered a place in the forest where there were still many animals.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · one night
Slipping into his son’s room one night, when he was fast asleep, he cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag which Kweku always carried into the forest. Anansi then put a quantity of ashes into the bag and replaced it where he had found it.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · 📍 [[the forest]]
He, too, arrived at the animals’ home in the forest, and found Kweku there before him. He immediately drove his son away, saying that, by the law of the land, the place belonged to him.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · When about half-way there
When about half-way there, he hung the image to a branch of a tree in the path, and hid himself in the bushes near by—holding the other end of the thread in his hand.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · day after day
The same thing occurred, day after day, till all the animals in the wood were killed. By this time, Kweku Tsin had become very rich—but his father Anansi was still very poor.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · 📍 [[Kweku’s house]] · every day
He was obliged to go to Kweku’s house every day for food.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat · When the famine was over
When the famine was over, Kweku gave a great feast and invited the entire village. While all were gathered together, Kweku told the story of his father’s cunning and how it had been overcome.
Tale 6 · Tit for Tat
Anansi was so ashamed that he readily promised Kweku to refrain from his evil tricks for the future. This promise, however, he did not long keep.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property · As he went
As he went, he wept bitterly, telling every one that this was his dead grandfather’s body.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property
Wolf (Tale 7) Leopard (Tale 7)
The two gentlemen opened the bundle and, to their great joy, discovered the flesh of the antelope in it. They carried it off to their own home and began to prepare supper.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property
Anansi Wolf (Tale 7) Leopard (Tale 7)
When he had them safely hung, Spider and his family came and mocked them. Spider then went to their cottage and brought away the body of the antelope.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property · Next morning
White Ant Leopard (Tale 7) Wolf (Tale 7)
White Ant and his family set to work, destroyed the tree and set them at liberty.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property · On the third day
Wolf (Tale 7) Leopard (Tale 7) Anansi
Wolf and Leopard welcomed them heartily and spread a splendid feast for them, which the spiders thoroughly enjoyed.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property · Soon after their departure
Wolf (Tale 7) Leopard (Tale 7) White Ant
The two hosts, thinking these must be Spider and his family, poured boiling water over them and killed them all except the father.
Tale 7 · Why White Ants Always Harm Man’s Property · From that day to this
White Ant, on reaching home again, in great anger, vowed that he would never again help any one. He would take every opportunity to harm property.
Tale 8 · The Squirrel and the Spider · When the storm had passed
So saying, he picked them up and went off with them, leaving Spider and his children to return home sorrowful and empty-handed.
Tale 9 · Why We See Ants Carrying Bundles as Big as Themselves · one day
To Kweku’s great joy rain immediately began to fall, and continued till the ground was thoroughly well soaked.
Tale 9 · Why We See Ants Carrying Bundles as Big as Themselves
But Anansi took his big sticks and beat so hard that the dwarf fell down dead.
Tale 9 · Why We See Ants Carrying Bundles as Big as Themselves
The body of the jester was shut up in a great box and Anansi was condemned—as a punishment—to carry it on his head for ever.
Tale 9 · Why We See Ants Carrying Bundles as Big as Themselves
Mr Ant waited in vain for his return—and was obliged to wander all the rest of his life with the box on his head.
Tale 10 · Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings · 📍 [[village]]
Anansi Mrs. Anansi Anansi’s son
They went straight back to their village, leaving the cunning husband to start on his journey.
Tale 10 · Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings · 📍 [[farm]] · for a fortnight
gathered in a large store of the corn and vegetables from the barn, and prepared for a solitary feast.
Tale 10 · Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings · 📍 [[farm]]
Great was his surprise to see that more than half of their magnificent harvest had gone.
Tale 10 · Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings · 📍 [[farm]] · till daybreak
There Egya Anansi had to stay till daybreak, when his son came out with the other villagers to catch the robber.
Tale 10 · Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings · Since then
he changed into a spider and took refuge in a dark corner of the ceiling lest any one should see him.
Tale 11 · Anansi the Blind Fisherman · Very soon after that
Very soon after that his sight began to fail. Finally, he grew quite blind.
Tale 11 · Anansi the Blind Fisherman · 📍 [[the beach]] · each morning
They led him, each morning, to the beach and into the canoe. They told him where to spread his net and when to pull it in.
Tale 11 · Anansi the Blind Fisherman · The next day
He then jumped proudly out, expecting to land on the beach. To his great astonishment he found himself sinking in deep water. The two men rowed quickly away, leaving him to struggle.
Tale 11 · Anansi the Blind Fisherman
So he swam until he was completely tired out—and was drowned.
Tale 12 · Adzanumee and Her Mother · 📍 [[the field]] · One day
“If I were to become your daughter, would you promise never to reproach me with having been a yam?” She eagerly gave her promise, and at once the yam changed into a beautiful, well-made girl.
Tale 12 · Adzanumee and Her Mother · one day
Her mother became impatient at her non-appearance and angrily said, “Where can Adzanumee be? She does not deserve that beautiful name. She is only a yam.”
Tale 12 · Adzanumee and Her Mother · 📍 [[the field]]
But she was too late. Her daughter, still singing her sad little song, quickly changed back into a yam.
Tale 13 · The Grinding-Stone That Ground Flour by Itself · 📍 [[the forest]] · one morning
Spider’s cousin, while hunting one morning, had discovered a wonderful stone. The stone lay on the grass in the forest and ground flour of its own accord. Near by ran a stream of honey.
Tale 13 · The Grinding-Stone That Ground Flour by Itself · 📍 [[village]]
He carried the stone from village to village selling flour, until his bag was full of money.
Tale 13 · The Grinding-Stone That Ground Flour by Itself
It stuck fast there, and no efforts could displace it. The weight of it very soon grew too much for Anansi, and ground him down into small pieces, which were completely covered over by the stone.
Tale 14 · “Morning Sunrise”
her father (Tale 14) Morning Sunrise
He bade her lie down on her bed as if she were dead. He then sent the report of her death to each of the three lovers, asking them to come and help him with her funeral.
Tale 14 · “Morning Sunrise” · That very day
That very day the betrothal took place
Tale 15 · Why the Sea-Turtle When Caught Beats Its Breast with Its Fore-Legs
the wise turtle Mankind
“Take my advice,” said she, “and plant rows of palms along the sea-coast.
Tale 15 · Why the Sea-Turtle When Caught Beats Its Breast with Its Fore-Legs · 📍 [[the sea-coast]]
Mankind
He did so, with great success.
Tale 15 · Why the Sea-Turtle When Caught Beats Its Breast with Its Fore-Legs
Mankind the wise turtle
When the time came again for the sea to overflow, it washed just to the line of trees and came no farther. Thus many lives were saved annually by the kind forethought of the turtle.
Tale 15 · Why the Sea-Turtle When Caught Beats Its Breast with Its Fore-Legs · 📍 [[the seashore]] · Each time a turtle comes to the seashore
Mankind a turtle
Each time a turtle comes to the seashore to lay her eggs among the sand, she is caught and killed for the sake of her flesh.
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World · In the evening
Kweku Tsin the old woman (Tale 16)
When he showed her the drum, she looked pleased and told him, to his great delight, that he had only to beat it if at any time he were hungry. That would bring him food in plenty.
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World · As soon as he reached his own hut
Immediately, food of every description appeared before them, and they all ate as much as they wished.
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World · 📍 [[the Assembly Place]] · The following day
In this way every family got sufficient food for their wants, and all thanked Kweku very much for thus providing for them.
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World
His son was most unwilling to tell him, but Anansi gave him no peace until he had heard the whole story.
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World
Anansi the old woman (Tale 16)
Anansi retorted, “Do you think I will take your advice, you witch? No, I will choose the drum which says ‘Dong-dong.’ You are just trying to play a trick on me.”
Tale 16 · How Beasts and Serpents First Came Into the World · 📍 [[the Assembly Place]] · No sooner had he reached home
To his horror and dismay, instead of the multitude of food-stuffs which Kweku had summoned, Anansi saw, rushing toward him, beasts and serpents of all kinds. Such creatures had never been seen on the earth before.
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun · 📍 [[the forest]] · one morning
Father Anansi and his son, Kweku Tsin, being very hungry, set out one morning to hunt in the forest. In a short time Kweku Tsin was fortunate enough to kill a fine deer
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun · 📍 [[his castle]]
Anansi Kweku Tsin the dragon (Tale 18)
the monster, smelling human flesh, hastily returned to the spot and seized them both. They were carried off by him to his castle
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun · 📍 [[the heavens]] · When all was ready
Kweku Tsin threw one end of the ladder up to the sky. It was caught and held. The dragon’s victims began to mount, one after the other, Kweku remaining at the bottom.
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun · When Kweku was quite close to the top
Kweku Tsin the dragon (Tale 18)
The brave youth bent down and cut the ladder away below his own feet. The dragon was dashed to the ground—but Kweku was pulled up into safety by the gods.
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun
The latter were so pleased with his wisdom and bravery in giving freedom to his fellow-men, that they made him the sun—the source of all light and heat to the world.
Tale 18 · Why the Moon and the Stars Receive Their Light from the Sun
His father, Anansi, became the moon
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1
This proposal having been laid before the farmer, he proved quite willing to agree to it.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1
Not only so, but he granted Ohia a supply of earthen pots in which to collect the sap, as the miserable man was far too poor to buy any.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1
His Majesty commanded that Ohia should be brought before him to be punished for this intrusion into such a serious meeting.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1
King Tiger, after consulting with some of the other animals, agreed to listen to his tale.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1
At the conclusion they unanimously agreed that the deer was the culprit and the man blameless. The former was accordingly sentenced to punishment, while the latter received an apology in the name of the entire conference.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 1 · each morning
King Tiger, it appeared, had each morning given Deer a large sum of money wherewith to purchase palm wine for the whole assembly. The deer had stolen the wine and kept the money.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2
King Tiger offered him, as a gift, the power of understanding the conversation of all animals. This, said he, would speedily make Ohia a rich man. But he attached one condition to the gift. Ohia must never—on pain of instant death—tell any one about his wonderful power.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2 · One morning
Ohia Mother Hen a chicken (Tale 19)
he heard a hen and her chickens talking together in his garden. He listened, and distinctly heard a chicken tell Mother Hen about three jars of gold buried in Ohia’s garden.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2 · one evening
Ohia the lame woman (Tale 19) the chief (Tale 19)
His lame wife heard him, and rushed into the room. She thereupon accused him of making fun of her again to Awirehu.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2
Ohia Awirehu his son (Tale 19)
bequeathed all his gold to the faithful Awirehu, and his property to his son and servants.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2 · 📍 [[the Assembly Place]]
Finally, he explained the cause of his laughter which had annoyed his wife. In so speaking he fell dead, as the Tiger had warned him.
Tale 19 · Ohia and the Thieving Deer · Part 2
The jealous woman who had caused her husband’s death was seized and burnt as a witch.
Tale 20 · How the Tortoise Got Its Shell · A few hundred years ago
A few hundred years ago, the chief Mauri (God) determined to have a splendid yam festival.
Tale 20 · How the Tortoise Got Its Shell · 📍 [[the palm-fields of Koklovi]]
This answer delighted Klo as he was a very strong fighter. Koklovi was the same, so that the fighting continued for several hours before Klo was able to overcome Koklovi. He was at last successful, however, and securely bound Koklovi before he left him.
Tale 20 · How the Tortoise Got Its Shell · 📍 [[before the gate]] · By that time
By that time Klo had died, under the weight of his load—which he had been unable to get off his back.
Tale 20 · How the Tortoise Got Its Shell · 📍 [[the palace]] · When they came to the bottom of the pile
His earthenware pot and the dust had caked together and formed quite a hard cover on his back.
Tale 20 · How the Tortoise Got Its Shell · 📍 [[the palace]] · since that date
He was taken into the palace—and by the use of many wonderful medicines he was restored to life. But since that date he has never been able to stand upright. He has been a creeping creature, with a great shell on his back.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · 📍 [[the forest]] · At last
the hunter (Tale 21) the tortoise (Tale 21)
At last he persuaded her to let him carry her back to his hut, that he might enjoy her singing daily in comfort. This she permitted, only on the understanding that she sang to him alone.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · Soon
the hunter (Tale 21) the tortoise (Tale 21)
Soon he began to wish that he could show off this wonderful tortoise to all the world, and thereby thought he would gain great honour. He told the secret, first to one, then to another, until finally it reached the ears of the chief himself.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · 📍 [[the Assembly]]
The hunter was commanded to come and tell his tale before the Assembly.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · 📍 [[the Assembly Place]] · As soon as the morrow dawned
the hunter (Tale 21) the tortoise (Tale 21)
As soon as the morrow dawned, he carried tortoise and harp down to the Assembly Place—where a table had been placed ready for her. Every one gathered round to listen. But no song came.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · As the last ray of the setting sun faded
As the last ray of the setting sun faded, he was beheaded.
Tale 21 · The Hunter and the Tortoise · The instant this had happened
The instant this had happened the tortoise spoke.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant
the eldest (Tale 22) the woman (Tale 22)
The eldest promised that when she was dead he would cut a fine sepulchre in stone for her.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant
the second (Tale 22) the woman (Tale 22)
The second said he would make a beautiful coffin.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant
The youngest said, “I will go and get the tail of the princess elephant and put it in the coffin with her.”
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · Soon after this
the woman (Tale 22) the eldest (Tale 22) the second (Tale 22) Kwesi
Soon after this their mother died.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · immediately
The youngest son immediately set out on his search, not knowing in the least where he would be likely to find the tail.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant
The young man begged her to hide him—which she did, in a great pile of wood.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · In the middle of the night
He cut off the tail and returned as he had come.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · The night following their marriage
The night following their marriage she turned into an elephant, while Kwesi was asleep. She then prepared to kill him, but Kwesi awoke in time.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant
The damsel and he were accordingly married.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · The night following their marriage
the princess (Tale 22) Kwesi Depor
The juju turned him into a grass mat lying on the bed and the princess could not find him.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · Next night
the princess (Tale 22) Kwesi Depor
This time the juju changed him into a needle and his wife could not find him.
Tale 22 · The Tail of the Princess Elephant · As soon as he was asleep
the princess (Tale 22) Kwesi Depor
As soon as he was asleep she took the juju out of his hair and threw it into a great fire which she had prepared.
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · When the boy was three years old
When the boy was three years old his mother died.
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · After this
Kwofi his stepmother (Tale 23)
Kwofi was given to his stepmother to mind.
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · When he was about ten years old
When he was about ten years old his father also died.
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · 📍 [[the village]] · One evening
one of the gods Kwofi
When he came to Kwofi he said: “Oh, my son Kwofi, there was never sufficient meat for you, neither is there any death.”
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · 📍 [[the village]] · One evening
one of the gods Kwofi
As he said these words every one in the village died except Kwofi.
Tale 23 · Kwofi and the Gods · 📍 [[there]]
He was left to reign there in peace, which he did very happily.
Tale 24 · The Lion and the Wolf · Night after night
the old lady (Tale 24) Wolf (Tale 24)
Night after night he stole up to the old dame’s cottage and killed a sheep.
Tale 24 · The Lion and the Wolf · 📍 [[her village]] · At last
Lion (Tale 24) the old lady (Tale 24)
He thereupon offered to do his best to punish the wicked wolf.
Tale 24 · The Lion and the Wolf
Lion refused to listen to any of his explanations, and speedily put him to death.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[Court]]
the King (Tale 25) Maku Mawu Maku Fia
He sent for them to Court, and they came together.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia
Maku Mawu broke his stone in half and found inside some beautiful ornaments which the King had hidden there.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[palace]] · in three days’ time
He then made him promise to come back in seven days and show the ring to the King again, to let the latter see that it was not lost. If by any chance he could not produce the ring—he would lose his head.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[the King’s palace]] · Next day
the wife of Maku Mawu the King (Tale 25) Maku Mawu
Delighted, she ran off to the King’s palace and gave the ring to him. She got the promised money and returned home, never dreaming that she had really sold her husband’s life.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[a pool near by]] · the seventh morning
Among them was the dish containing the ring. Of course, when the dish was being washed, out fell the ring into the water—without being noticed by the servants.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[the pool]]
Cutting it open, to clean it, his delight may be imagined at finding the lost ring inside it.
Tale 25 · Maku Mawu and Maku Fia · 📍 [[the palace]]
At once he ran off to the palace crying: “I have found the ring! I have found the ring!” When the people heard him, they all shouted in joy: “He named himself rightly ‘Maku Mawu,’ for see—the death God has chosen for him, that only will he die.” So the King had no excuse to harm him, and he went free.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man · 📍 [[the gentleman’s room]]
the thief (Tale 26) the rich gentleman (Tale 26)
the thief caught up two of the bags and escaped.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man · 📍 [[the house]] · Next morning
the rich gentleman (Tale 26) the thief (Tale 26)
The dishonest man looked so confused that the rich man at once suspected he was the thief. He could not, however, prove it, so took the case before the judge.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man · 📍 [[the village]]
the wise man (Tale 26) the thief (Tale 26)
The wise man undertook to help him—if he would promise to pay him half the money when he got off.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man · 📍 [[the village]]
the thief (Tale 26) the wise man (Tale 26)
This the robber at once said he would do.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man
the wise man (Tale 26) the thief (Tale 26)
The old man then advised him to go home and dress in rags. He must ruffle his hair and beard and behave as if he were mad.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man
The judge at last grew angry and dismissed the court.
Tale 26 · The Robber and the Old Man · Next day
the thief (Tale 26) the wise man (Tale 26)
But he could get no answer but “Moo” from the thief, and at last, in despair, he had to go home without a penny. The ungrateful robber kept everything for himself.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram · At last
At last the house was finished to the satisfaction of both.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram
Each told his tale, and after some friendly discussion, they decided to live together.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram · while they were at play
Young Leopard then took one piece and placed it in position. Then, going first to the right, then to the left—bowing and standing on his hind legs and peeping at the stem just as his father did—he took aim, sprang toward the stem and tore it.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram · In the evening
Leopard (Tale 27) little Leopard
In the evening the leopard obtained all the information about the hunt from his son. The latter warned him that he must always be careful when he saw the ram go backward.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram · Some time afterward
Leopard (Tale 27) Ram little Leopard
Calling to his son to follow, he sprang with all his might over the wall of the house and fled to the woods.
Tale 27 · The Leopard and the Ram · 📍 [[the woods]] · From that time
From that time leopards have made their abode in the woods while rams have remained at home.
Tale 28 · Why the Leopard Can Only Catch Prey on Its Left Side · one day
Knowing that the cat as very skilful in this way, Leopard one day went to Cat and asked very politely if she would teach him the art. Cat readily consented.
Tale 28 · Why the Leopard Can Only Catch Prey on Its Left Side
Having taught him these three things, Cat requested him to go and practise them well.
Tale 28 · Why the Leopard Can Only Catch Prey on Its Left Side · One day
One day, however, he was unable to catch anything at all.
Tale 28 · Why the Leopard Can Only Catch Prey on Its Left Side
Never thinking of her kindness to him—Leopard only remembered that he was hungry—he ate all her kittens.
Tale 28 · Why the Leopard Can Only Catch Prey on Its Left Side · on discovering this dreadful fact
Puss, on discovering this dreadful fact, was so angry that she refused to have anything more to do with the great creature.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · One day
the woman (Tale 29) Quarcoo Bah-boni
One day, however, when the husband was away hunting, the woman had a baby son.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · As the time approached for the naming
To her amazement, the child himself answered, “My name is Quarcoo Bah-boni.”
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · The next day
The baby announced, “I will go to the farm”—which he did.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni
the woman (Tale 29) Quarcoo Bah-boni
So she turned him out of the house and forbade him to return.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni
Quarcoo Bah-boni Goat Wolf (Tale 29) Tiger (Tale 29) Lion (Tale 29) Elephant
The animals, after a little discussion, agreed to this, thinking that he would be able to help them in many ways.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni
Quarcoo then proceeded to beat him till he cried for mercy. Nor would he stop his blows till the goat had promised to finish the work, carry home the load, and tell no one what had happened.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · Next day
Quarcoo Bah-boni Wolf (Tale 29)
Next day it was the wolf’s turn to go to the farm. He also returned, much bruised and swollen.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · early the following morning
Quarcoo Bah-boni Goat Wolf (Tale 29) Tiger (Tale 29) Lion (Tale 29) Elephant
They made up their minds that, early the following morning, they would start off together and leave the boy in possession of the house. They prepared a big basket of food and set it ready.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · At dawn
Quarcoo Bah-boni Goat Wolf (Tale 29) Tiger (Tale 29) Lion (Tale 29) Elephant
He quietly got himself a large leaf, rolled it round him (for he was very tiny) and laid himself down in the basket of food.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni · When they had gone a fair distance
His greed was rewarded, however, by a terrible blow on the face. He then heard the words, “Shut the basket at once, and say nothing to the others.”
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni
Quarcoo Bah-boni Wolf (Tale 29)
He was greeted by Quarcoo in the same way as Goat had been, and speedily closed the basket and followed the others.
Tale 29 · Quarcoo Bah-Boni
Quarcoo Bah-boni Goat Wolf (Tale 29) Tiger (Tale 29) Lion (Tale 29) Elephant
They were so alarmed at his appearance they scattered in all directions.
Tale 30 · King Chameleon and the Animals
[[Lion (Tale 30)]]
Lion was the first animal suggested. But all opposed him because, they said, he was too fierce.
Tale 30 · King Chameleon and the Animals
[[Wolf (Tale 30)]]
Wolf was next named—but the sheep and goats refused to have him because he was their foe.
Tale 30 · King Chameleon and the Animals · The day of the race
He, being able to change his colour to suit his surroundings, had seized Mr Hare’s tail just as the race began. Having made his colour match the hare’s, no one had noticed him. He had held on very tightly, and when the hare turned round to take his seat Chameleon dropped off and landed on the stool.
Tale 30 · King Chameleon and the Animals · as soon as the meeting was over
So as soon as the meeting was over, all scattered in every direction and left Chameleon quite alone.
Tale 30 · King Chameleon and the Animals
He was so ashamed that he went and made his home at the top of a very high tree on a mountain.
Tale 31 · To Lose an Elephant for the Sake of a Wren Is a Very Foolish Thing to Do · 📍 [[the King’s town]] · In the olden times
In his absence, Spider seized the sharp axe and hastened to cut as much of the tree as he could, carefully hiding the axe in his bag before the servant’s return.
Tale 31 · To Lose an Elephant for the Sake of a Wren Is a Very Foolish Thing to Do · 📍 [[the King’s town]]
He got his promised reward, and started for home in great glee.
Tale 31 · To Lose an Elephant for the Sake of a Wren Is a Very Foolish Thing to Do
This he did, but when he tried to seize the latter, it flew off.
Tale 31 · To Lose an Elephant for the Sake of a Wren Is a Very Foolish Thing to Do · that day
He returned to the spot where he had left the animal, but to his dismay the latter had escaped.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man
the hunter (Tale 32) Leopard (Tale 32) Serpent rat (Tale 32) the man (Tale 32)
However, these animals pleaded so hard for life that at last he helped them out of the pit.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · A short time after
A short time after, Serpent came to the hunter and gave him a very powerful antidote for snake-poison.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · After
Leopard (Tale 32) the hunter (Tale 32)
The leopard also showed his gratitude by killing animals for the hunter and supplying him with food for many weeks.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · Then, one day
rat (Tale 32) the hunter (Tale 32)
Then, one day, the rat came to him and gave him a large bundle. “These,” said he, “are some native cloths, gold dust, and ivory.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man
the man (Tale 32) the hunter (Tale 32) the King (Tale 32)
The wicked fellow thereupon falsely accused his host of the theft, although he knew quite well that he was innocent.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · the following day at noon
He was condemned to die the following day at noon.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · Next morning
the hunter (Tale 32) the King (Tale 32) the man (Tale 32)
The man was at once beheaded and the powder was mixed as the serpent had commanded.
Tale 32 · The Ungrateful Man · Next morning
the hunter (Tale 32) the King’s eldest son the King (Tale 32)
As soon as it was applied to the prince’s wound the young man was cured. In great delight, the King loaded the hunter with honours and sent him happily home.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · 📍 [[the forest]] · one day
the man (Tale 33) Tiger (Tale 33)
At first each was afraid of the other; but after some talking they became quite friendly. They agreed to live together for a little time.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · 📍 [[the man’s home]] · Then
Tiger (Tale 33) his male cub (Tale 33) the man (Tale 33) the man’s son (Tale 33)
The tiger therefore came to the man’s house and stayed with him three weeks. He had brought his male cub with him, and the young tiger became very friendly with the man’s son.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · Some months later
the man’s father (Tale 33) the man (Tale 33)
Some months later the man’s father died.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · When Tiger heard of his friend’s great loss
Tiger (Tale 33) his male cub (Tale 33) the man (Tale 33)
When Tiger heard of his friend’s great loss, he and his cub set out at once to see and condole with him. They brought a large sum of money to help the man.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · As Tiger was going home again
two of the man’s friends (Tale 33) Tiger (Tale 33)
As Tiger was going home again two of the man’s friends lay in hiding for him and shot him. Fortunately he was not killed
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · 📍 [[the forest]]
Tiger (Tale 33) his male cub (Tale 33)
There he lay down as if he were dead, after telling his cub to watch and see what would happen.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · When morning came
Tiger (Tale 33) the man (Tale 33)
When morning came and Tiger was quite assured that his friend had had nothing at all to do with the shot, he was very glad. He got up, then, to the man’s great astonishment, and explained why he had pretended to be dead.
Tale 33 · Why Tigers Never Attack Men Unless They Are Provoked · In future
In future for your sake I will never touch a man unless he first meddles with me.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles · Next day
As the young man was unable to answer any of them, he was judged to have failed and was beheaded.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles · After some time
He also was asked many riddles, and failed to answer them. Accordingly he too was put to death.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
their mother (Tale 34) the third brother (Tale 34)
She prepared for him a food called cankey—which she filled with poison.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
[[the vulture (Tale 34)]]
The bird ate the cankey, and immediately fell dead by the roadside.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
Three panthers came along and began to eat the vulture. They also fell dead.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
The young man then went on his way.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles · During the night
the Omanhene the third brother (Tale 34)
When the young man had the garments quite safely, he explained the riddle fully to the crafty Omanhene.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles · 📍 [[Assembly Place]] · In the morning
the Omanhene the third brother (Tale 34)
The stranger then told what had happened in the night, and how the ruler had got the answer to the riddle by cheating. The Assembly declared that the Omanhene had failed to find out the riddle and must die.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
Accordingly he was beheaded—and the young man was appointed Omanhene in his place.
Tale 34 · The Omanhene Who Liked Riddles
Accordingly he was beheaded—and the young man was appointed Omanhene in his place.
Tale 35 · How Mushrooms First Grew · Long, long ago
Their creditors gave them no peace, so at last they ran away into the woods. They became highway robbers.
Tale 35 · How Mushrooms First Grew · At last
At last they decided to go home, make a big farm, and pay off their debts gradually.
Tale 35 · How Mushrooms First Grew · that very day
Unfortunately, that very day a bushfowl came along. Being hungry, it scratched up all the newly planted seeds and ate them.
Tale 35 · How Mushrooms First Grew · That evening
the two brothers (Tale 35) the bushfowl (Tale 35)
That evening the bushfowl was caught in it. The two brothers, when they came and found the bird, told it that now all their debts would be transferred to it because it had robbed them of the means of paying the debts themselves.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies · one day
Farmer Mybrow the fairies (Tale 36)
“Let us all help Farmer Mybrow to cut down the bushes.” The rest agreed. To Mybrow’s great delight, the bushes were all rapidly cut down—with very little trouble on his part.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies · Early in January
Farmer Mybrow the fairies (Tale 36)
Accordingly, the dried bushes were all burned down, and the field left clear in less time than it takes to tell it.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies
Farmer Mybrow the fairies (Tale 36)
In all the preparations—digging, sowing, planting—the fairies gave great assistance.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies · One day
Being very persistent, however, she finally succeeded in obtaining the information—but on one condition.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies
Mybrow’s wife the fairies (Tale 36)
“Who dares ask me such a question?” she replied angrily—quite forgetting her husband’s command. Going to the field of yams she plucked one of them also.
Tale 36 · Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies
Mybrow’s wife the fairies (Tale 36)
Before the frightened woman could say a word, the fairies had all set to work with a will, and the corn and yams lay useless on the ground. Being all green and unripe, the harvest was now utterly spoiled.