Tortoise and Crab African Short Story Folktale

Tortoise and Crab is a true African short story folktale shaped by the tongues of African elders. Everyone knows that Tortoise and Crab are enemies and this short Animal African folklore explains why the hatred runs deep.

Tortoise and Crab Short Story African Folktale

Everyone knows that Tortoise and Crab are enemies.

One morning on the seashore they decided to fight to see which was the stronger, but, as both of them are protected by a hard shell, neither could succeed in injuring the other.

Finally, they came to an agreement that they were equal in strength.

“We are so well protected by our armor,” said Tortoise, “that no one can harm us.”

“And thus,” said Crab, “we are the strongest creatures in the world.”

But at this moment, a boy passed by and picked them both up. 

The tortoise was boiled in a pot and his shell was made into ornaments while Crab was cooked in a stew for the boy’s supper. 

Since that day, the descendants of the two boasters have always been ashamed to meet, and that is why they always shun one another.

Have you ever read about The Wonderful Child African folktale?