Discover the tale of the Greedy Tortoise and the magical Talking Drum, a classic Yoruba folktale that teaches the value of patience, honesty, and gratitude.
Long ago in a small Yoruba village nestled between the thick forests of Oyo, lived a tortoise named Ijapa. Ijapa was known across the land—not for his wisdom, but for his greed and cunning ways.
No one trusted him, yet he always found his way into feasts, ceremonies, and any place where food flowed freely.
A Celebration in the Sky
One day, the birds of the sky were invited to a feast by their King, Oba Orun, who had just returned from a journey around the world.
The King wanted to celebrate with a feast unlike any seen before:
one with music, stories, and food from all corners of the earth. Every bird was to bring a gift and in return would enjoy the royal banquet.
Ijapa heard about the celebration and wanted to attend, though he wasn’t a bird. “I may not have wings, but I have brains,” he said to himself with a sly grin.
The Trickery Begins
Ijapa went from one bird to another, convincing them to lend him a feather until he had enough to make a pair of wings.
He crafted a feathered costume and joined the flock flying to the sky.
When they reached the palace of Oba Orun, they were welcomed with music played from a magical talking drum named Ayanmo.
This drum didn’t just play beats—it told stories, warned of danger, and sang songs of wisdom.Oba Orun asked each guest what gift they brought.
Ijapa, quick as ever, presented a story: “I bring a tale of how I escaped a lion using only my voice and a yam.” The court laughed and applauded, and the King, amused, allowed him to stay.
The Feast and the Greed
Tables filled with pounded yam, egusi soup, suya, and honey drinks dazzled the eyes. The birds gathered to feast—but Ijapa said: “As a sign of respect, let me serve the food so I can ensure fairness.”
But instead of sharing, Ijapa took the best portions and stored them in his shell. The birds noticed and grew angry.
Ayanmo, the magical drum, began to beat: “The one who steals shall fall from grace, the one who lies shall lose his place.” The birds reported him to Oba Orun, who was disappointed in the tortoise’s greed.
The Fall from the Sky
As punishment, the King stripped Ijapa of his wings and ordered him to return to earth—without the help of the birds.
Ijapa begged for mercy, but it was too late. The birds flew away and he was left to fall. He landed with a crack, and ever since, the tortoise’s shell has had lines all over it.
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The Talking Drum’s Final Song
As Ijapa vanished from sight, Ayanmo the drum sang: “Greed breaks the shell,Truth brings the bell.Be wise, be kind,Or you shall fall from the sky.”
Moral of the Story
Greed and deceit may bring short-term gain, but they always lead to loss in the end. Honesty, patience, and gratitude are the true feathers that lift one to greatness.
