The Cunning Python

Hadithi Hadithi?

Hadithi Njoo!

This is the story of the cunning python that refused to participate in the communal activity.

Hadithi Hadithi?

Hadithi Njoo!

It was a dry season, so dry that the grass had withered, the streams had dried up, and the animals of the forest were desolate. The animals: the Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Rhino, Monkey and Python were all very thirsty. The Lion, king of the land, said to his fellow animals, “We must find a way to get water otherwise we will all die.”

Every animal was instructed to help dig a dam that would be the source of water for all animals. And all animals agreed in unison, except python who didn’t see the need to help his fellow animals. “They are all strong, they don’t need my help,” Python said to himself after the meeting was over.

Lion, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, monkey and rhino arrived at the designated site early the next day to begin digging the dam. It took a lot of work, many hours under the blazing sun, but eventually the dam was complete and the six animals were permitted to drink. Python was nowhere in sight.

“My friends, thank you for your unity and hard work. This dam is as a result of all of you,” said Lion.

“But not all animals have dug this dam,” interrupted Zebra.

“Python neither showed up nor assisted in any way,” added Giraffe. And all animals present agreed.

“You are right my friends. Python has shown that he does not care about our well-being, and as punishment, he is not permitted to drink from this dam. Therefore, in order to prevent him from coming close to our hard work, we will take turns standing guard by our dam at night.” concluded Lion.

*

Buffalo was the first to stand guard by the dam that night. But no sooner had he began than the weight of the day’s work took toll and he fell asleep. Python, who had been nearby laughed and slithered his way to the well and drank to his fill.

On the second night, Giraffe stood guard. But he too, with his long neck, was distracted by the trees and the moon that shone so bright and beautifully that he did not hear Python glide through the grass to the well.

When it was monkey’s turn to guard the dam, the other animals were unsure of his ability. Monkey, however, had thought of a plan that would help him catch python if he tried to come near the dam. On that third night, as Monkey took vigil, he climbed the tree nearest to the dam and waited. Surely enough, Python appeared, whistling as he pushed himself toward the dam. “Looks like the well is all mine today,” Python said to himself. Just as he was about to take his first sip, Monkey descended on him with great force and Python immediately lost all consciousness. Monkey waited until dawn before taking Python to a gathering where all the other animals were.

That day, Python was banished from the kingdom. He moved to the dryer lands where it was harder to find water or food to eat. This was punishment for his cunningness.

QUESTIONS

How many animals built the well?

What should Python have done when he was caught?

Why was the well built?