Long ago, in a coastal kingdom of the Benga people, there lived a king who loved his daughter more than all his gold. She was beautiful, kind, and wise. Her laughter filled the palace with joy.
But in the forest lived a dark spirit called the Devil. He was cunning and loved to trick humans. When he heard of the king’s daughter, he disguised himself as a handsome young man and came to the palace.
“Great king,” he said, bowing, “I wish to marry your daughter.”
The king was pleased, but the daughter felt uneasy. “Father,” she whispered, “his smile does not reach his heart.”
The king did not listen. The marriage was celebrated with music and feasting. But at night, the Devil revealed his true form—his eyes glowed red, and his breath smelled of smoke. He ordered the princess to obey him, but she stayed strong and prayed for wisdom.
One night, her grandmother’s spirit spoke in a dream: “Child, his power works only when you fear him. Do not be afraid.”
The next day, the princess tricked him. She said, “If you are strong, lie still like a stone, and let no fire or knife wake you.” Proudly, the Devil agreed. The princess dropped hot coals on him, and when he cried out in pain, his disguise broke. The animals chased him away forever.
She returned home, and the king learned never to ignore his daughter’s wisdom again.
Moral of the Story: True wisdom is stronger than pride and deceit.
Word Helper:
- Cunning – clever in a tricky way.
- Disguise – to hide one’s true self.
- Feasting – eating lots of food at a celebration.
- Proudly – with too much confidence.
- Wisdom – using knowledge to make good choices.
Summary for Parents/Teachers :
This Benga folktale from the coastal regions of Central Africa carries deep lessons for children and adults alike. The story highlights the importance of listening to wisdom, even when it comes from those younger or less powerful. The king, distracted by flattery and appearances, ignores his daughter’s warnings. As a result, he nearly loses her to a deceptive spirit. His daughter’s bravery and cleverness ultimately save her and restore balance.
For children, this tale provides a strong example of courage in the face of fear. The Devil’s power seemed frightening, but the princess learned that fear gave him strength. When she stood firm and used her wits, his pride became his downfall. Parents and teachers can use this story to discuss how appearances can deceive, and how wisdom and inner strength are more valuable than wealth or charm.
The cultural context of the Benga people, who live along the coast of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, adds depth to the narrative. Elements such as ancestor guidance, palm wine offerings, and the connection to nature reflect African traditions where spirituality, community, and respect for elders play a central role. By sharing this tale, children not only enjoy an engaging story but also learn about cultural values, ancestral respect, and the importance of discernment.
Teachers may also use this story to encourage creative problem-solving. The princess did not defeat the Devil with force, but through her intelligence and bravery. This lesson is valuable in classrooms, helping children understand that wisdom and clever thinking often provide better solutions than fear or anger.
Discussion Time:
Want to discuss this with your child? Here are some questions:
- Why did the princess not trust the stranger, even though he looked kind?
- What mistake did the king make when choosing her husband?
- How did the princess defeat the Devil in the end?
- What lesson can we learn about listening to those who love us?
Classroom Activity:
Have students act out the story in groups. One can be the king, one the princess, one the Devil, and others as animals. After acting, discuss how each character’s choices changed the ending.
