Life has a way of telling us stories, whether through firsthand experiences, whispers of old fables, or wisdom passed down from elders. These stories, despite their simplicity, carry important truths about human nature and the choices we make. Growing up, I was always captivated by tales of moonlit nights, displayed in storybooks. I pictured myself in those stories, sitting quietly among the elders, paying close attention to their words. But now, I realize I had my moment- stories told to me and my siblings, passed down not from a book, but from the heart of a woman, my maternal grandmother, who knew the power of words and the lessons they carry.
My grandmother had many stories, but one such tale, etched into my memory from childhood, is a story that depicts envy, deceit, courage, and justice. This was no ordinary tale, it reflected life’s harsh truths, where some thrive on hard work while others plot to tear them down. As I think back on the story, I see how its teachings still hold up today. The animals used in the story may have been metaphors, but their battles mirror the challenges we confront in reality, where jealousy and manipulation often collide with resilience and truth.
I vividly recall the excitement that filled our home whenever she visited us from the village. My siblings and I could hardly contain our joy, eagerly rushing through our baths and dinner just to settle in for the evening. There was no glow of a lantern or the quiet hum of moonlight, as described in the storybooks I read in primary school. Instead, it was her stories that illuminated our imaginations, casting a warm glow over our living room. We’d sit on the living room carpeting, enthralled by her words. Her stories brought the village to life in a way that no storybook could. She had a way of drawing us in, painting vivid images of talking animals grappling with the same emotions and difficulties that we face as humans. What made the experience even more memorable was that she delivered her stories in our local dialect, Igbo, weaving her words with such rhythm and clarity that we felt as though we were really in the heart of the village, surrounded by the same animals she spoke of.
The story opens with the tortoise, a creature noted for his cunning ways, overcome by jealousy towards the rabbit. The rabbit, hardworking and adored by all who knew him, stood in stark contrast to the tortoise, whose laziness had earned him little regard. Fueled by envy, the tortoise sought to eliminate the rabbit, spinning a web of lies to persuade the Lion, the king, to act against the rabbit. Claiming that the rabbit was planning against the kingdom, the tortoise laid the stage for an attack on the unsuspecting rabbit and his family.
But as fate would have it, the rat- the rabbit’s cousin, was present during the devious plot. With a heart dedicated to his family, he hastened to warn the rabbit of the impending attack. The rabbit, ever courageous, refused to be intimidated. When his wife advised they flee for their children’s protection, the rabbit stood firm. “This is my father's land”, he declared firmly. “I will not run”.
This moment, my grandmother always said , was where the rabbit’s true power rested- not in his speed or wit, but in his unyielding resolve. In a world often dictated by fear and power, standing firm can be the most courageous act.
With little time to spare, the rabbit devised a plan. He and his family harvested every cocoyam they had on their farm. Their labour was more than just survival; it was also a determined preparation for the impending battle. When the tortoise encountered the rabbit returning with his family and their harvest, he mocked them. “Preparing for a feast, are we?” he scoffed. The rabbit unshaken, responded with feigned enthusiasm, inviting the tortoise to feast too, when it was time.
That night, with the help of the rat and his family, the rabbit boiled all the cocoyams, leaving them in scalding pots over glowing embers. As dawn broke and the attackers approached, the rabbit encouraged his family not to mind the intense heat. “Envision the triumph ahead,” he said, his voice steady with determination. With that, they hurled the hot cocoyams with precision. The searing assault caught the attackers off guard, forcing them to retreat. Some succumbed to the unexpected defense, while others fled back to the lion, wounded and defeated.
The King, enraged by the failure and loss of his warriors, demanded answers. When the truth was unveiled- that the attack was based on the tortoise’s lies- the lion, in a fit of rage, ended the tortoise’s life.
My grandmother would pause here, and with a softened tone, she would ask in Igbo, “Ụnụ na-ahụ ya, ụmụ m?” (Do you see, my children?). Then she would continue, “The rabbit didn’t survive by running or hiding. He faced his enemies head-on, and the truth came to light.”
This tale, though couched in the simplicity of animal characters, has a strong resonance with real-life circumstances. The tortoise consumed by envy, symbolizes people who strive to harm others out of spite. Jealousy is a poison that often drives people to deception, wreaking havoc not only on their targets but on entire societies. The rabbit’s courage, on the other hand, represents the resilience required to face falsehoods and challenges without succumbing to fear.
In today's world, the story could play out in different forms. Consider an office scenario where an employee, envied for his or her competence, becomes the victim of malicious gossip. Lies spread in hushed tones have the potential to proliferate, jeopardizing reputations and careers. The tortoise could be anyone- a colleague, a competitor, or even a friend- who's insecurity fuels destructive behaviour. However, like the rabbit, staying firm in one’s truth and confronting adversities with courage can reveal deceit and restore justice.
On a broader scale, the story mirrors societal dynamics. Leaders, like the Lion in the story, can be swayed by manipulative voices. Decisions made in haste or based on misinformation can result in unnecessary conflict and harm. The lesson here is a call for discernment, a reminder that power wielded without wisdom can lead to devastating consequences.
The rabbit’s refusal to flee his “father’s land” is another potent metaphor. It speaks to the importance of roots, identity, and the refusal to give up one’s rightful place in the face of adversity. In an era when people are forced to migrate due to economic hardship, or climate change, the rabbit’s stance serves as a reminder of the power of claiming and safeguarding what is ours.
The role of the rat cannot be overlooked either. Though small and often underestimated, he embodies loyalty and the power of alliance. In real life, it is often the seemingly insignificant acts of solidarity that make a difference. A warning, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement can change the trajectory of someone’s struggles.
As for the boiling cocoyams, they signify resourcefulness- the ability to turn common tools into uncommon defences. In life, challenges often require us to think creatively and use what we have at our disposal to overcome obstacles. The rabbits fast thinking turned a potential slaughter into a victory.
The tortoise’s demise serves as a reminder that deception will eventually unravel. Lies may win battles, but truth wins wars. The Lion’s wrath, albeit harsh, emphasises the inevitability of justice catching up with wrongdoers.
Even now, I think back to those nights at my grandmother’s feet and realize the depth of her wisdom. She was teaching us how to navigate life through her stories- to face envy with dignity, to value courage over comfort, and to seek truth even when it is hidden beneath layers of deceit.
In many ways, the world today mirrors the animal kingdom of the story. There are tortoises, rabbits, lions, and rats in every sphere of life. The lessons remain timeless: jealousy corrodes, courage uplifts, and truth prevails. It is up to us to decide who we wish to be in the stories we live out each day.
So when life feels overwhelming and challenges arise, remember the rabbit. Stand firm. Think smart. Fight with integrity. And know that, like in my grandmother's tale, the truth always finds a way to shine through.