Gather Now; Come Closer
Warm your hands and sit near the fire.
The cold evening calls for a tale, one that might prepare your mind for sweet dreams.
Ifochakpi!
Waa!!
Once upon a time, in a land far beyond seven rivers and seven hills, there was a thriving clan of animals. These animals lived in harmony, untouched by envy or rivalry. There were no rulers, no kings, and no masters. Each animal toiled on its land as it pleased, free to do as it wished.
The Beginning of Chaos
But peace is fragile. As time went on, some stronger animals realized their power and began to bully the weaker ones. The powerful marched on crops, trespassed on lands, and even stole wives. Chaos spread its dark wings over the once-peaceful clan. The animals, unsure how to resolve their disputes, turned to violence and mistrust.
Anarchy smiled, spreading her blanket over the clan until even the stars seemed dimmer in the sky.
It was in this time of unrest that Cricket, a small but clever creature, called for a gathering of all the animals’ leaders. The call was simple: “Let us meet to discuss a solution before our clan is torn apart.”
The Great Gathering
The meeting took place in a vast open field, where the moon cast its pale glow over the restless crowd. From the mighty Elephant to the tiny Mosquito, every creature had come. But as the leaders assembled, mumblings filled the air. Guilt from past wrongdoings silenced many.
Cricket, sensing the unease, raised his voice. “Wait!” he chirped, silencing the murmurs. “I greet you all,” he began, bowing slightly. “Our problems stem from one issue: we lack a leader. If we choose a king, someone who can bring justice and fairness, both big and small can live in peace.”
The animals murmured in agreement, but the peace was short-lived. Cricket, emboldened by the praise of his kin, stepped forward. “Since I have brought this idea to you, it is only fair that I, Cricket, become your king!”
The Argument Begins
The crowd erupted.
Elephant trumpeted angrily. “You? A king? You are but a speck on the ground, barely visible to my eyes! I, Elephant, with my strength and wisdom, should be king! My size commands respect, and my memory holds the history of our clan.”
The animals murmured in awe, but Giraffe interrupted with a scoff. “How dare you claim kingship? Look at me, tall and elegant, able to converse with the moon! I can see far and warn us of danger before it even approaches. I, Giraffe, am the only suitable king!”
The animals turned their attention to Ape, who swung down from a nearby tree, laughing. “King? You? With your slow movements? A king must be nimble and agile, able to climb the tallest trees and swing to the skies! I am clearly the most capable!”
Eagle, perched above, screeched in indignation. “How ridiculous! I soar above all of you, reigning over mountain peaks where no one dares to tread. My mastery of the skies makes me the rightful ruler of this clan.”
Before the animals could react, a faint buzzing filled the air. Mosquito landed on a leaf and piped up. “You all talk big, but how many of you can sing in the ears of humans and make them slap themselves silly? My subtlety and skill make me the perfect king!”
The ground shook as Lion roared, silencing the crowd. “Enough! It is clear that I, Lion, the king of beasts, should rule. My strength, my claws, my fearsome roar—all these make me the natural leader of the clan.”
A voice from the crowd shouted back, “Wasn’t it one of your pride that killed an innocent sheep just the other day? We can’t trust you!”
The Stalemate
The argument went on, with each animal advocating for itself or its kin. Parrot, an elder known for wisdom, tried to mediate. “Let us vote,” he suggested. “Point to the candidate you think is most deserving.”
But when the animals voted, every creature pointed to its kind: giraffes to Giraffe, apes to Ape, lions to Lion, and so on. No consensus could be reached. Frustration bubbled over, and soon the meeting dissolved into chaos. Each animal, determined to be king, left arguing and fighting.
The Aftermath
And so, the clan of animals remains in confusion to this very day. No king was ever chosen, and the strife among them persists. Each creature claims its own superiority, unable to see the strength and wisdom of others. The hills and valleys echo with their arguments, a reminder that unity requires humility and cooperation.
And that, my friends, is the tale of the animals who could not choose a king. It is said that to this day, their descendants still quarrel, each believing they are the most deserving of the crown.
Sleep well now, and remember this tale when faced with disagreement. Perhaps the lesson of cooperation will guide you to peace. Ifochakpi!
Waa!!