Story Summary
Read the classic trickster tale Anansi and the Turtle. When a greedy spider tricks a guest out of a meal, he learns a clever lesson about fairness and wit.
One day, Anansi the Spider prepared a delicious meal of roasted yams. Just as he sat down to eat, Turtle arrived, tired and hungry from a long journey. Custom demanded Anansi share his food, but the greedy spider didn't want to. He noticed Turtle’s dusty paws and insisted he wash them at the river before eating. By the time Turtle walked to the river and back, his paws were dirty again from the trail. Anansi kept sending him back until the yams were all gone. Months later, Turtle invited Anansi to a feast at his home at the bottom of the river. Anansi, being light, couldn't stay underwater, so he filled his jacket pockets with heavy stones to sink. Just as the food was served, Turtle politely reminded Anansi that it was impolite to wear a coat at the dinner table. When Anansi took off his jacket, he floated straight back to the surface, leaving Turtle to enjoy the feast alone.
The Moral
If you trick others to avoid being generous, you should expect to be treated the same way in return.
“One good turn deserves another, and one trick deserves a cleverer one.”
Fun Fact
Anansi is often called the 'King of Stories' because, according to legend, he bought all the world's stories from the Sky God, Nyame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Anansi and the Turtle?
The moral is 'what goes around comes around.' It teaches that if you are greedy or trick others, they will eventually use your own tactics against you.
Why did Anansi make Turtle wash his hands?
Anansi knew that the walk from the river back to the house would make Turtle's hands dirty again, allowing Anansi to eat the food while Turtle was away.
How did Turtle get his revenge on Anansi?
Turtle invited Anansi to an underwater feast and told him to remove his stone-weighted jacket, which caused the spider to float to the surface and miss the meal.
What kind of character is Anansi?
Anansi is a classic trickster figure from West African folklore. He is known for being clever and witty, but his greed often leads to his own downfall.
Where does the story of Anansi and the Turtle come from?
This story originates from the Ashanti people of Ghana. These tales traveled across the Atlantic and became central to Caribbean folklore as well.
What are the common themes in Anansi stories?
Common themes include the power of wit over strength, the consequences of greed, and the importance of social customs like hospitality.
