Story Summary
Explore the clever African folktale Anansi and the Python. Discover how the trickster spider uses wit to capture a giant snake and win the world's stories.
Long ago, the Sky God Nyame held all the world’s stories, and Anansi the spider wanted to buy them. Nyame set a daunting price: Anansi must capture Onini the great python. Anansi went into the forest with a long bamboo pole and began arguing loudly with himself. 'She is wrong! He is not that long!' he cried. Onini, curious, slithered over to ask what was wrong. Anansi explained that his wife, Aso, claimed Onini was shorter than the bamboo pole, while Anansi insisted he was longer. Eager to prove his grandeur, the vain python agreed to be measured. He lay beside the pole, but Anansi frowned, saying, 'When you stretch your head, your tail shrinks. Let me tie you to the pole so I can get an accurate measurement.' Onini agreed. Anansi bound the python tightly to the bamboo with vines. Once the snake was securely fastened, Anansi chuckled, 'Now I have you!' and delivered the captive python to the Sky God.
The Moral
Wit and cunning are more powerful than physical size, but vanity is a weakness that leads to one's downfall.
“When you stretch your head, your tail shrinks; let me tie you down so we can truly see your greatness.”
Fun Fact
Anansi stories, known as Anansesem, were used by the Ashanti people to pass down wisdom; today, Anansi is celebrated as a global icon of resistance and survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Anansi and the Python?
The moral is that intelligence and quick thinking are more effective than brute strength. It also warns that pride and vanity can make one vulnerable to deception.
How did Anansi capture the python?
Anansi tricked the python into being measured against a bamboo pole to prove his length. He convinced the snake to let him tie him to the pole so he wouldn't slip, effectively trapping him.
Who is the python in the Anansi stories?
The python's name is Onini. He is depicted as a powerful but somewhat vain creature who is one of the three challenges Anansi must complete to win the Sky God's stories.
Who did Anansi give the python to?
Anansi delivered the captured python to Nyame, the Sky God. This was one of the tasks required to earn the ownership of all stories in the world.
Why did Anansi want to capture the python?
He captured the python as part of a bargain with Nyame. In exchange for the python, a leopard, and hornets, Nyame agreed to give Anansi the rights to all oral traditions.
What culture does Anansi and the Python come from?
This story originates from the Ashanti people of Ghana in West Africa. Anansi is a central figure in West African and Caribbean folklore.
