In the beginning, the Creator decided that humans should live forever. He called for the Chameleon and gave him a sacred mission: 'Go to the people and tell them that even if they die, they shall rise again like the moon.' The Chameleon set off, but he was naturally slow and frequently stopped to eat berries or change his color to match the leaves. Fearing the message was lost or perhaps changing his mind, the Creator summoned the Lizard. He gave the Lizard a different message: 'Go and tell the people that when they die, they shall stay dead.' The nimble Lizard darted through the underbrush, overtaking the sluggish Chameleon with ease. He reached the village first and shouted his grim news to the assembly. When the Chameleon finally arrived much later with his promise of eternal life, the people shook their heads. They had already accepted the word of the Lizard as truth. From that day on, death became a permanent end for all of humanity.
The permanence of our fate is often decided by the urgency of our actions and the consequences of delay.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of How Death Came to the World?
The story teaches that timing and haste can have irreversible consequences on the world. It also serves as an explanation for why life is fleeting and why mortality is an inescapable part of the human experience.
Which animal messengers are in the story?
The story features the Chameleon, who carries the message of eternal life, and the Lizard, who carries the message of permanent death. The contrast between their speeds determines the fate of mankind.
Why did the Creator send two different messages?
In many versions, the Creator sends the second messenger because the first was too slow, or as a test of human nature. The tragedy lies in the fact that the second, darker message arrived first.
Is this a common story in African culture?
Yes, this is known as the 'Message Failed' motif. It is one of the most widespread creation myths found across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among Bantu-speaking peoples.
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Good night.
