DLTK's Folktales
Anansi the Spider's Great Adventure
Anansi is a West African trickster god, often depicted as a spider, who uses his wit and cunning to outsmart larger creatures and is known for his role in spreading stories and wisdom throughout the world. The story originated in Ghana but has spread throughout the world.
Once upon a time, in a lush, green forest, there lived a little spider named Anansi. He was a clever, mischievous creature who loved playing tricks on his animal friends.
One sunny morning, Anansi decided to go on a great adventure. He wanted to find a treasure hidden deep within the forest. This treasure was said to be a golden fruit that could grant any wish.
As Anansi set off on his journey, he met a wise old owl named Oyana. "Anansi," Oyana said, "you must answer three riddles if you want to find the golden fruit."
Anansi, being a clever spider, agreed to the challenge. "What is your first riddle, Oyana?"
Oyana asked, "What is the creature that can carry its home on its back?"
Anansi thought for a moment, and then he smiled. "The answer is a snail," he said confidently.
"Very well," said Oyana, and she told Anansi the second riddle: "What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs?"
Anansi scratched his head and thought hard. Suddenly, his eyes sparkled, and he exclaimed, "A clock!"
"Correct," Oyana replied. "Now, for the final riddle: i have a heart, but it doesn’t beat. If you cut me I bleed but I have no blood. What am I?”
Anansi puzzled over the riddle for a while, but then he grinned. "A tree!" he cried.
"Well done, Anansi," Oyana said, and she pointed towards a hidden path. "Follow this trail, and you will find the golden fruit."
Anansi thanked the wise owl and continued on his adventure. He followed the trail, which led him to a beautiful, sparkling waterfall. Behind the waterfall, Anansi found a cave, and inside the cave, he spotted the golden fruit, shining brightly.
Excited, Anansi reached for the fruit, but as he did, a giant, fierce-looking bird swooped down, blocking his way. "I am Akoma, the guardian of the golden fruit," the bird said. "You must defeat me in a game of riddles to claim the treasure."
Anansi, feeling brave and confident, agreed to the challenge. He and Akoma exchanged riddles, each trying to outsmart the other. Finally, Anansi tricked Akoma with a riddle so clever that the giant bird admitted defeat.
Anansi grabbed the golden fruit and made his way back to the forest, where his animal friends eagerly awaited his return. As he held the magical fruit, Anansi thought of what he truly desired.
"I wish for happiness and harmony for all my friends in the forest," Anansi whispered, and the golden fruit granted his wish.
From that day on, Anansi became a wise and kind spider, using his cleverness to help his friends instead of playing tricks on them. The forest animals lived happily ever after, with Anansi the Spider as their beloved friend and protector.
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