25/05/2026
The Tortoise and the Drum of Wisdom
A Traditional African Folktale
Long ago, when the world was still young, people knew very little. They quarreled endlessly, made foolish decisions, and could not solve even simple problems.
At that time, all the wisdom in the world belonged to the Sky King, who lived high above the clouds. The Sky King kept wisdom safely inside a magical drum made of gold and ancient wood.
Whenever the gods needed guidance, they beat the drum, and wisdom would speak.
Far below on earth lived Tortoise, the cleverest and most cunning animal in the forest. Tortoise loved being praised for his intelligence, but deep inside his heart, he desired something greater.
“One day,” Tortoise often said proudly, “I shall become wiser than every creature alive.”
One evening, while animals gathered beside the river, Monkey announced exciting news.
“I heard the Sky King keeps all wisdom inside a magical drum!”
The animals gasped in amazement.
“Imagine possessing such wisdom,” said Elephant.
“But nobody can reach the sky,” replied Antelope.
Tortoise remained silent, but his eyes sparkled with dangerous thoughts.
That night, while the forest slept, Tortoise stared at the moon and whispered,
“If I alone possess all wisdom, every creature will bow before me.”
Days later, Tortoise began his secret journey toward the mountain that touched the heavens.
The journey was long and difficult. He crossed rivers, climbed rocky hills, and crawled through thick forests. At last, he reached the top of the sacred mountain where the Sky King’s palace floated among the clouds.
Using his cleverness, Tortoise waited until the palace guards fell asleep.
Slowly… carefully… he sneaked inside the palace hall.
At the center stood the Drum of Wisdom glowing brightly like sunlight.
Tortoise’s heart beat rapidly.
“I have finally found it,” he whispered excitedly.
With great effort, he carried the heavy drum and escaped from the palace unnoticed.