The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial

The mango by the river
In the wide river flowing through East Africa’s lush lands, the Monkey lived in the trees while the Crocodile ruled the river below. Though they shared the space, trust between them was scarce. One hot afternoon, the Monkey found a juicy mango by the riverbank. As he enjoyed the fruit, he noticed the Crocodile watching from the water. The Crocodile wanted the mango and promised to share if the Monkey would come with him across the river. Curious yet cautious, the Monkey agreed.

The Crocodile’s deception
During the crossing, the Crocodile revealed his plan. He wanted to eat the Monkey and had tricked him with false friendship. Quick-witted, the Monkey said he had left his heart hanging in the tree. Confused but tempted, the Crocodile agreed to return to shore so the Monkey could fetch it.

Escape to safety
At the shore, the Monkey leapt swiftly into the safety of the tall trees. The Crocodile felt foolish but demanded a trial to decide who was right. The village elders listened carefully as both told their stories. After much discussion, the elders ruled in favor of the Monkey, praising his cleverness and warning the Crocodile against deceit.

Respect born from justice
The Crocodile accepted the decision but vowed to watch the Monkey more closely. Their rivalry continued, yet a new respect grew from the trial’s fairness. This story teaches how intelligence and truth can overcome strength and trickery, and how justice maintains harmony.

Moral Lesson of The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial
This tale teaches that cleverness and honesty protect us from harm. It highlights the importance of justice and fairness in solving conflicts and warns against trickery.

Knowledge Check

1. What is the moral of the African folktale The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial?
   The story teaches a lesson about cleverness and justice, showing how honesty and wit can bring lasting change and protect the community.
2. What cultural group does the African tale The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial come from?
   This folktale originates from the Swahili tradition of East Africa, where oral storytelling passes down values and wisdom.
3. Why did the Crocodile want the Monkey to cross the river with him in The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial?
   The Crocodile’s hunger and desire led him to deceive the Monkey and lure him across the river.
4. How does the folktale The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial explain animal behavior?
   It explains why crocodiles are cunningo and monkeys are quick and clever, shaped by their rivalry.
5. Is The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial an African trickster tale, ghost story, origin myth, or animal fable?
   It is an animal fable reflecting the Swahili culture’s appreciation for cleverness and justice.
6. How is the African folktale The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Trial still relevant today?
   The tale remains relevant because it teaches timeless lessons about fairness, cleverness, and respect in relationships.

Cultural Origin
This folktale comes from the traditional storytelling practices of the Swahili people of East Africa.