Story Summary
Discover the Ashanti tale of The Magic Drum, where a king's wondrous gift provides endless food until a broken taboo turns the blessing into a swarm of wasps.
In the kingdom of the Ashanti, there once lived a powerful King who owned a magnificent magic drum. During a time of great famine, the King would strike the drum gently, and instantly, a lavish feast of yams, palm wine, and roasted meats would appear. The King was generous, feeding his entire village so that no one suffered. However, the drum came with a strict taboo: its owner must never step over a fallen stick or branch on the ground. For a long time, the King was careful. But one afternoon, while walking through the forest, he grew distracted and stepped over a fallen mahogany branch. That evening, when he gathered his people and struck the drum to provide their dinner, the magic soured. Instead of food, thousands of angry wasps and sharp thorns erupted from the drum, stinging the guests and driving them into the forest. The King learned that even the greatest gifts require vigilance and respect for the laws that govern them.
The Moral
Good fortune is often tied to responsibility, and carelessness can quickly turn a blessing into a curse.
“A gift used without caution is a curse waiting to be released.”
Fun Fact
In Ashanti culture, the 'talking drum' or Atumpan is historically used to communicate across long distances and to recite proverbs and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Magic Drum?
The moral is that with great power and fortune comes the responsibility to follow established rules. Carelessness and the neglect of one's duties can lead to the loss of blessings and the arrival of misfortune.
Who owns the magic drum in this Ashanti tale?
In the Ashanti version of the story, the drum is owned by the King, who uses it unselfishly to feed his people during a period of famine.
What was the specific taboo associated with the drum?
The owner of the magic drum was strictly forbidden from stepping over a fallen stick or branch. Violating this simple rule would reverse the drum's magic.
What happened when the King broke the taboo?
When the King stepped over a branch, the drum stopped producing food. The next time it was beaten, it unleashed stinging wasps and thorns upon everyone present.
Is The Magic Drum a common theme in African folklore?
Yes, variations of the magic drum story appear across West Africa, including in Efik and Yoruba traditions, often involving different characters like the Tortoise.
What does the drum symbolize in West African culture?
The drum symbolizes authority, community, and the rhythmic connection between the people and the divine or magical forces of the world.
