THE ROBBER AND THE OLD MAN

“The Thief Who Said ‘Moo’: A Tale of Cunning and Ungrateful Betrayal”

This clever West African folktale follows a chain of deceptions that reveals how dishonesty breeds more dishonesty. When a skilled thief successfully steals money bags from a wealthy gentleman, his crime seems perfect—until an unlucky encounter outside the victim’s house raises suspicions and lands him in court.

The story takes an intriguing turn when the panicked thief seeks help from a village wise man, who devises a brilliant defense strategy: pretend to be insane. The plan is elegantly simple—dress in rags, appear disheveled, and respond to all questions with nothing but “Moo.” It’s a masterclass in courtroom manipulation that successfully fools the judge and secures the thief’s freedom.

But the tale’s most fascinating twist comes in its conclusion. When the wise man arrives to collect his promised payment—half the stolen money—the thief continues his “Moo” act, refusing to acknowledge their agreement. This moment transforms the story from a simple crime caper into a complex meditation on the nature of dishonesty and loyalty among thieves.

The wise man’s regret at helping the thief escape justice adds a moral dimension that elevates the tale beyond mere entertainment. His realization that he enabled injustice—and was then betrayed by the very person he helped—serves as a powerful reminder that those who live by deception often become victims of it themselves.

This story brilliantly captures the idea that dishonest people rarely honor their commitments, even to those who help them, and that cleverness without character ultimately leads to isolation and moral corruption.

https://mythopia.io/story/908/the-robber-and-the-old-man