Have you heard the African folktale about flies bothering cows? It's a beloved story among both children and adults, serving as a reminder to always keep one's promises. According to the tale, if the cow had fulfilled its promise to the fly, it would not still be burdened by the pesky insect today.
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| Remember to always keep your promises |
Tall Tale Why Flies Bother Cows African Folktale
As the ancestors say, when
Kpo Umo was Queen, being very rich and hospitable, she used to give big feasts
to all the domestic animals, but never invited the wild beasts, as she was
afraid of them.
At
one feast she told the cow to sit at the head of the table and serve the food
to the other guests. The cow was happy that she was in charge of the food; she
served the first course but forgot the fly, because he was so small.
When
the fly saw this, he called out to the cow to give him his share, but the cow
said: "Be quiet, my friend, you must have patience."
When
the second course arrived, the fly again called out to the cow, but the cow was
becoming annoyed and cut her eyes at the fly, and told the fly he would get
food later.
When
the third course was served, the cow purposely ignored the fly. The poor fly sat at the table and cried. At last all the
dishes were finished, and the fly, having been given no food by the cow, went to
bed hungry.
The
next day the fly complained to the queen, who decided that, as the cow had
presided at the feast, and had not given the fly his share, for the future the
fly could always get his food from the cow wherever she went; and even at the
present time, wherever the cows are, the flies can always be seen feeding off the
cow for their dinner in accordance with the queen's orders.
More African Folklore Stories
More African Folklore Stories
