Story Summary
Discover The King's Magic Drum, an African folktale where a king uses a magic drum to feed his people until a greedy tortoise learns a painful lesson.
Long ago in the kingdom of Calabar, King Ephraim Duke owned a magnificent magic drum. Whenever the King beat the drum, it did not produce mere music, but a lavish feast of the finest meats, yams, and palm wine. Because of this wonder, the King never went to war; whenever an enemy threatened, he simply invited them to a banquet, and peace was maintained through full bellies. One day, a greedy tortoise witnessed the King’s wealth and yearned for the drum. Through a clever trick involving a fallen piece of fruit and a debt of honor, the tortoise convinced the King to trade the drum for his silence. However, the King kept one secret: if the owner of the drum ever stepped over a fallen branch, the magic would turn sour. The tortoise lived in luxury for months, feeding his family and friends without working. But one afternoon, while returning home, he carelessly stepped over a stick in his path. That evening, when he beat the drum for his guests, instead of food, hundreds of invisible spirits with whips emerged and thrashed everyone present. Broken and ashamed, the tortoise returned the drum to the King, forever relegated to living under the prickly leaves of the tie-tie palm.
The Moral
Greed and the desire for unearned wealth often lead to ruin, as shortcuts to prosperity come with hidden burdens.
“He who seeks to live by the magic of others must also be prepared to bear their burdens.”
Fun Fact
This tale is a classic example of an 'Aetiological myth,' as it explains why tortoises are often found living under the tie-tie palms and why they have scarred shells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The King's Magic Drum?
The story teaches that greed and the pursuit of unearned wealth lead to misfortune. It also highlights that power and magic often come with specific responsibilities and rules that must be respected.
Who is the main antagonist in the story?
The Tortoise serves as the trickster and antagonist. His greed drives him to manipulate the King into giving up the drum, but his own carelessness eventually leads to his downfall.
What happens if the owner steps over a fallen branch?
If the owner of the drum steps over a fallen stick or branch, the drum's magic reverses. Instead of providing food, it summons invisible spirits armed with whips to punish those present.
Why did the King use the drum to stop wars?
The King was a man of peace who realized that most conflicts arose from need. By using the drum to provide an endless supply of food for his enemies, he turned potential invaders into grateful guests.
Where does the story of The King's Magic Drum originate?
This legend originates from the Efik people of the Calabar region in Nigeria. It is a staple of West African oral tradition, often used to explain animal behaviors and human nature.
How did the Tortoise trick the King?
The Tortoise waited for the King's daughter to pick up a piece of his fallen fruit. He then claimed the King owed him a great debt for the 'theft,' and the honorable King offered the drum to settle the matter.
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