Long ago, animals lived close to humans, and they often gathered to share food. One day, a great feast was held under the tall acacia trees. Bowls of milk, honey, and meat were laid out for all to enjoy.
The lion waited his turn politely. The hare picked a little and stepped back. Even the squirrel nibbled only a few kernels. But when the hyena arrived, his belly growled, and his eyes shone with greed.
“Out of my way!” he shouted, pushing forward. He gobbled the meat, slurped the milk, and licked the honey pots until they were empty.
All the animals gasped. The feast was ruined. The elders warned, “Greed breaks the balance of the world.” But the hyena only laughed, his mouth dripping with honey.
That night, the animals prayed to Nhialic, the great sky god. Nhialic spoke: “Because the hyena’s hunger has no end, let him wander forever empty.”
At first, the hyena thought it was a joke. But soon, no matter how much he ate, his stomach never filled. Bones, roots, and hides, all vanished into a belly that stayed hollow.
Ashamed, he hid during the day. But at night, under the bright moon, his hunger burned. He lifted his voice and howled in sorrow.
From that day, the hyena has howled at night, hungry and regretful, remembering the feast he ruined.
Moral of the Story
Greed only brings sorrow.
Word Helper
- Feast – a big meal for many people or animals.
- Greed – wanting more than you need.
- Elders – wise old leaders of a community.
- Curse – a punishment given by gods or spirits.
- Howl – a long, sad animal cry.
Summary for Parents/Teachers
Why the Hyena Howls at Night is a folktale from the Nilotic people of South Sudan. Like many African folktales, it uses animals to explain natural behaviors and teach moral lessons. In this case, the hyena represents unchecked greed.
In the story, all the animals take only what they need, showing balance and respect for nature’s gifts. The hyena, however, devours everything at the feast. His greed ruins the celebration for everyone else. The elders remind him that the world works best when all creatures live in balance. This theme of harmony with nature is deeply rooted in African traditions, where survival often depends on sharing resources fairly.
When the sky god Nhialic curses the hyena with endless hunger, the story reinforces the idea that greed leads to punishment. The hyena’s eternal howling at night serves as both a cultural explanation for his real behavior and a moral reminder for children.
Educators and parents can use this tale to discuss fairness, self-control, and empathy. It can help children understand that taking too much can harm others, whether at home, in school, or in nature. The story also introduces students to African cultural values, where community well-being is valued over selfishness.
This folktale is especially useful in teaching social skills such as sharing, respecting boundaries, and thinking about consequences. It also creates an opening for discussions about ecosystems, where balance ensures survival. Just as animals in the story took their fair share, humans must also care for resources wisely.
By linking the hyena’s howls to his eternal regret, the story blends natural science (why hyenas howl) with moral teaching, making it engaging for both children and adults.
Discussion Time
Want to discuss this with your child? Here are some questions:
- Why did the animals get upset with the hyena at the feast?
- What lesson do we learn from the hyena’s punishment?
- How do you think the other animals felt when the feast was ruined?
- Can you think of a time when sharing made everyone happy?
Classroom Activity
Roleplay the Feast:
Divide students into groups, each playing an animal at the feast. Have them act out taking only their share, until the “hyena” grabs everything. Then discuss how the animals might feel and what they would say to the hyena.
