The Cunning Turtle and the King's Forbidden Fruit: An African Folk Tale

“The Deceitful Turtle: A Cautionary Tale of Greed and Betrayal”

When all the animals of the jungle discover a magnificent tree laden with the most delicious fruit imaginable, they know they must ask their King’s permission before partaking. After two messengers fail to remember the royal decree due to unfortunate accidents, it falls to the slow but steady Turtle to deliver the King’s message: “You may eat of the fruit, but save the choicest for me.”

What begins as a story of perseverance and reliability quickly transforms into a dark tale of manipulation and murder. Unable to climb the tree like his fellow animals, the clever Turtle watches from below as others feast, all while harboring sinister plans of his own. When night falls and the others sleep, the Turtle reveals abilities he claimed not to have—and commits a theft that will have deadly consequences.

Through cunning lies and false evidence, the Turtle frames the innocent Elephant for his own crime, leading to a tragic miscarriage of justice. But the Turtle’s web of deceit doesn’t end there. Even as he profits from his betrayal, his arrogance proves to be his downfall when he can’t resist boasting about his cleverness in song.

This powerful African folk tale serves as a timeless warning about the corrosive nature of greed, the dangers of unchecked cunning, and how those who betray trust ultimately find themselves alone. A story that reminds us that our actions have consequences, and justice, though sometimes delayed, will eventually prevail.

https://mythopia.io/story/1208/the-cunning-turtle-and-the-king-s-forbidden-fruit-an-african-folk-tale