The Feast in the Sky

Long ago, the animals received an invitation to a grand feast in the sky. All the animals were thrilled, but they soon realized that only those who could fly could attend. Tortoise, who was ever cunning, devised a plan.

He approached the birds and convinced them that he, too, should be part of this feast, saying that his wisdom would be invaluable. After much persuasion, the birds agreed and decided to give him feathers to create wings. Tortoise carefully attached the feathers and learned to fly alongside the birds.

On the day of the feast, they soared into the sky, and as they neared the feast, Tortoise suggested that each animal take a new name for the occasion. He claimed the name “All of You,” a name that would soon reveal its clever intent.

When the feast was served, the hosts announced, “This food is for all of you!” Naturally, Tortoise stepped forward, claiming that since he was “All of You,” the food was meant only for him. The birds protested, but Tortoise was firm in his trickery and ate most of the food, leaving only scraps for the birds.

Angry and betrayed, the birds took back their feathers, leaving Tortoise stranded in the sky. With no way to return, Tortoise called down to his wife to prepare a soft landing. Misunderstanding his message, she laid out hard objects instead. Tortoise leapt from the sky and, upon landing, his shell shattered into pieces.

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His wife, distressed, carefully patched his shell together, but the cracks remained. And so, Tortoise’s shell became rough and cracked as a reminder of his trickery.

Moral of the Story

This tale is a reminder in Igbo culture about the dangers of greed, selfishness, and deception.