Once, in the time when the world was young and the earth knew no stories, there is Anansi…
There was no tale, no riddle, no parable, only silence. All the stories in the world belonged to Nyame, the Sky God, who hoarded them like gold in his heavenly palace.
Anansi, the tiny spider known throughout the forest for his mischief and wisdom, grew tired of this silence: “Why should Nyame alone keep all the stories?” he said to his wife, Aso, one cool morning. “Let me bring stories to the people.”
The spider climbed a silken thread into the heavens and greeted Nyame with a deep bow: “Great Sky God,” Anansi said, “I wish to buy your stories so they may be told on earth.”
Nyame laughed a thunderous laugh: “You? A mere spider? My stories are not for the likes of you. But if you truly want them, you must bring me four things: Onini the python, Osebo the leopard, Mmoatia the hornet, and Mmoboro the invisible fairy.”
He bowed again: “It shall be done.”
The Hunt for Stories
First, the cunning spider went to the river where Onini the python rested. “Oh wise one,” Anansi said: “my wife says you are shorter than this palm branch. I told her you are longer. Please settle our quarrel.”
Onini, proud and curious, stretched himself beside the branch. Swiftly, he tied him with vine ropes and carried him to Nyame.
Next, he dug a pit and covered it with leaves. Osebo the leopard came stalking through the forest and fell in: “Ah, Osebo,” he said sweetly, “let me help you out.” He lowered a vine, but halfway up, Anansi struck him with a club. Down he fell, and Anansi delivered him bound to Nyame.
Finally, the most difficult Mmoboro, the invisible fairy. Anansi carved a wooden doll and coated it with sticky sap. He placed food in the doll’s hand. When the fairy came to eat and thanked the doll, the doll did not respond. Insulted, the fairy slapped it and got stuck. he emerged, triumphant once more.
Stories for the People
With all four prizes, he returned to the Sky God. Nyame was amazed. “Even the great elephant has failed to catch these beings. Yet you, tiny spider, have succeeded.”
Then came Mmoatia the hornet. He filled a gourd with water and poured it over himself. “It rains!” he shouted. “Come take shelter in this gourd!” The hornets flew in, and he sealed it shut.
He gave him the golden box of stories and declared, “From this day, these stories shall be called Anansesem, Anansi’s tales.”
He came down from the sky and shared the stories with all who would listen. From then on, the people gathered around the fire to laugh, learn, and remember. And that is how stories came to the world.
Moral of the Story
This Akan folktale teaches that cleverness, not strength, brings success. Even the smallest among us can change the world through persistence, wit, and courage. He reminds us that true wisdom lies in knowing how to use what we have, even if all we have is a spider’s string.
Cultural Origin: Akan folktales (Ghana, West Africa)
Knowledge Check: How Anansi Tricked the Sky God
1. What is the moral of the African folktale “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God”?
The story teaches a lesson about cleverness and the power of persistence, showing how actions can lead to lasting change and affect others in unexpected ways.
2. What cultural group does the African tale “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God” come from?
This folktale originates from the Akan tradition of Ghana, where oral storytelling is used to pass on values, history, and wisdom.
3. Why did Anansi trick the Sky God in “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God”?
In the tale, Anansi tricked the Sky God out of a desire to bring stories to the people, which sets the story in motion and teaches a deeper lesson through consequence.
4. How does the folktale “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God” explain the origin of stories?
The story offers a traditional explanation for why humans tell stories today—rooted in the belief that Anansi’s cunning brought the gift of storytelling from the heavens.
5. Is “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God” an African trickster tale, ghost story, origin myth, or animal fable?
“How Anansi Tricked the Sky God” is both an African trickster tale and an origin myth, reflecting the humor and cultural lessons of the Akan people.
6. How is the African folktale “How Anansi Tricked the Sky God” still relevant today?
The message of this story remains relevant because it teaches timeless truths about creativity, courage, and cultural pride, reminding us to value stories and those who preserve them.
