Eoh and the Colorful Parrot African Folktale

The African Folktale shows how Eoh and the parrot, who felt lonely and misunderstood, became friends and appreciated each other’s differences; they demonstrate how being different is a source of beauty and strength.

Eoh and the Colorful Parrot Had it Right All Along African Folktale.

Eoh was a hard worker and did not depend on anyone. She lived in a small village where everyone knew each other and had their own opinions about how she should live her life. They said she was too independent, too outspoken, and too different from the other women. They made her feel sad and lonely, but she did not let them stop her from doing what she loved.

Eoh was a skilled weaver who made beautiful baskets and mats from palm leaves. She sold them at the market and earned enough money to support herself. She also enjoyed singing and dancing, sometimes performing at the village festivals. She had a cheerful spirit and a kind heart, but she wished she had someone who would appreciate her for who she was.

One day, walking home from the market, she saw a large bird perched on a tree with colorful feathers. It was a parrot, and it looked very exotic and beautiful. Eoh admired it and said out loud, “What a lovely bird! I wish I had a friend like you.”

The parrot heard her and replied, “Hello, Eoh. You don’t know me, but I’ve heard you singing when you would pass by my old home. I am looking for a new home. My old owner was cruel and mean, and she kept me in a cage. She did not feed me well or let me fly. She also tried to make me talk like her, but I did not like her words. She said I was too noisy, too curious, and too different from the other birds. She made me feel sad and angry, but I did not let her break my spirit.”

Eoh was surprised and delighted to hear the parrot speak. She said, “You can talk? That’s amazing! You are very smart and brave. I’m sorry your old master mistreated you. You deserve better.”

The parrot said, “Thank you for your kindness. You are very nice and friendly. I’m sorry your villagers treat you so poorly. You deserve better too.”

Eoh smiled and said, “Maybe we can help each other. Would you like to come with me? I have a small home where you can stay. You can fly freely and eat well. You can also sing and dance with me. We can be friends.”

The parrot said, “That sounds wonderful! Yes, I would love to come with you. So we can be friends.”

So Eoh took the parrot home with her and named him Kofi. They became the best of friends and enjoyed each other’s company. They shared their stories and talents and learned from each other. They also supported and defended each other from the villagers, who still criticized them.

They said Eoh was too foolish to keep a wild bird as a pet. They said Kofi was too dangerous to be around humans. They said they were both too strange to fit in.

But Eoh and Kofi did not care what they said. They knew they were happy together, and that’s all that mattered.

Applying the lesson from the African Folktale Eoh and the Colorful Parrot Had it Right All Along 

Being different can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and improvement. Be alert and curious about your surroundings and look for signs of new opportunities or possibilities. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone or cling to the past. Instead, explore new paths and try new things.

Accept the reality of your difference and don’t resist or deny it. Be resilient and creative in overcoming obstacles or challenges. Don’t give up or get discouraged easily. Instead, use your skills and talents to find solutions and make progress.

Be open and friendly to others who are different from you or who can help you along the way. Don’t isolate yourself or judge others harshly. Instead, seek out connections and collaborations that can enrich your life.

Like Eoh and Koffi, the parrot from the African Folktale, these five proverbs inspire resilience and confidence in the face of challenges.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. - African Proverb.

The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks. - African Proverb.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. - African Proverb.

He who learns teaches. - Ethiopian Proverb.

The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. - Moroccan Proverb.