Listen to African Folktales for Those Who Feel Lost
Listen to the African Folktale of the Unyielding Tree
The African folktale of the Unyielding Tree reflects the scientific truth that deciduous trees are programmed by their genetic makeup to shed their leaves and change colors, regardless of where they are planted.
The tree’s internal clock responds to changes in light and temperature, staying true to its purpose despite being surrounded by different kinds of trees.
People are born with unique destinies. The Unyielding Tree is a folktale for those who feel lost. It is a story about embracing your unique purpose even when the world around you tries to make you feel bad for being different. You are not lost; they are.
FolkTale of the Unyielding Tree. A Tale for Those Who Feel Lost
As Elders gather around the fading light of the fire, their voices low and steady, the weave the story of a peculiar tree named Nkrumah.
Unlike the other trees in the region, Nkrumah bore leaves that changed colors with the seasons, vivid reds, oranges, and yellows in the cool months and lush greens in the warmth.
This was unheard of, for in the tropical lands where palm trees swayed and evergreens stood tall, the seasons were gentle and the trees stayed the same all year long.
Nkrumah grew in a bustling grove filled with towering palms and steadfast evergreens. These trees often teased him, saying, “Why do you change your colors, Nkrumah? Look at us! We remain the same, strong and unshaken by time. Your colors make you stand out too much!”
But Nkrumah would only sway his branches and reply, “I follow what is written within me. My purpose is not to blend in, but to display the beauty of change.”
Seasons came and went, and as Nkrumah’s colors shifted, animals from far and wide began to gather near him. Birds perched on his branches to admire his hues.
The winds carried his falling leaves, spreading wonder across the land. Even the humans marveled at him, saying, “This tree reminds us of the cycle of life, that we must grow, change, and embrace who we are.”
One day, a wise old tortoise named Odomankoma visited Nkrumah. “Why do you defy the ways of this land, young tree?” he asked. “Would it not be easier to stay green and tall like your neighbors?”
Nkrumah swayed gently in the wind and answered, “Elder, I do not defy the land; I honor the purpose that has been placed inside me. My colors remind the world of change, and change is life itself. If I tried to be like the others, I would betray the gift within me. A tree that forgets its purpose withers, even in the richest soil.”
As the fire burns lower the tale unfolds, over time, the other trees grew to respect Nkrumah But he did not need their respect, for he knew his purpose and his path.
Though the evergreens did not change their colors, they saw how his vibrant leaves brought joy to the grove and beyond. They understood that each being has its purpose, and the greatest strength lies in staying true to it.
As the last embers fade into the dark, the elders teach, “Nkrumah’s story is a reminder to us all: like the tree, we must not follow the crowd but listen to the purpose within. For it is only by staying true to ourselves that we fulfill the Creator’s plan.”
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