In the heart of the village, Anansi, the trickster spider, prepared a large, delicious feast. The aroma of the stew wafted across the land, and soon Turtle, slowly moving as always, made his way towards Anansi’s home, drawn by the smell.
“Anansi,” called out Turtle, “that smells heavenly! Might I join you for a meal?”
Always the opportunist but never one to be seen as rude, Anansi agreed, “Of course, Turtle! Please, join me.”
Turtle made his way to the table, but there was a problem. Due to his long neck and legs, and the fact that Anansi’s table was quite high, Turtle found it impossible to reach the food. Anansi noticed this but said nothing, devouring the feast as Turtle watched, his stomach rumbling in hunger.
Finally, after having his fill and leaving just crumbs, Anansi looked up innocently, “Oh, Turtle! Why didn’t you eat? Wasn’t the food to your liking?”
Turtle, although disappointed, didn’t show it. “The meal looked splendid, Anansi. Thank you for your hospitality. Perhaps you might join me for dinner at my home tomorrow?”
Always one for a free meal, Anansi eagerly agreed.
The next day, Anansi arrived at Turtle’s watery home to find the table set up under the water, laden with delectable fruits, fish, and other delicious treats. Excitedly, Anansi jumped into the water but found that he couldn’t stay under long enough to eat; he kept floating to the surface.
Turtle, taking his time, enjoyed his meal at the bottom, savoring each bite. After finishing his meal, Turtle came up to the surface, looking refreshed and satisfied. “Anansi,” he said with feigned concern, “didn’t you enjoy the food?”
Anansi, now humbled and hungry, realized he’d been outsmarted. “Your hospitality is grand, Turtle. It seems I have a lot to learn about being a gracious host.”
From that day, Anansi remembered the importance of treating others with the same kindness and consideration he expected for himself.
Moral: Treat others how you want to be treated; what goes around comes around.