In the heart of the African savannah, Anansi the spider was feeling particularly hungry. Instead of weaving his usual web to catch his food, he thought of a more cunning plan. Anansi decided to play a little trick and get others to feed him a feast.
He sent word to Hippo, Elephant, and Giraffe, inviting each of them to lunch at his home, on different days of the week. Anansi’s reputation as a great storyteller meant that none could resist such an invitation. They all eagerly accepted, looking forward to Anansi’s stories and hospitality.
However, the cunning spider visited each of their homes the day before their scheduled lunch, under the pretext of ensuring they weren’t inconvenienced. To each, he mentioned how it was customary in his family to offer a guest a meal before the guest gives a meal.
The gullible animals, not wanting to appear rude or unfamiliar with customs, prepared lavish meals for Anansi. The spider feasted on Hippo’s fresh water plants and delicious fruits at Elephant’s abode. At Giraffe’s, he was treated to the juiciest leaves from the treetops.
On the day Hippo came over, Anansi pretended to be sick, saying he couldn’t possibly entertain or eat. Hippo, feeling bad for Anansi, left without lunch. The same story played out with Elephant and then with Giraffe.
After the third “canceled” lunch, the animals began to talk among themselves. They quickly realized Anansi’s trick. They decided to teach him a lesson in return.
The next day, when Anansi was resting, all three of them appeared at his doorstep, announcing that they had come for a surprise breakfast and were starving. Anansi, caught off guard, could only offer them water, as he had no food prepared.
The three animals, feigning outrage, began to spin tales of grand breakfasts and made Anansi’s mouth water with their descriptions. Then, laughing, they told him they had just come to share a story and not a meal.
Anansi realized he had been outwitted at his own game.
Moral: Tricks and deception might work once, but they often come back around. It’s always best to treat others with honesty and respect.