Wander-Words
Background: This popular Igbo folktale tells the story of a cunning tortoise who, out of greed, deceives a group of birds to attend a feast in the sky. Tortoise convinces the birds to share their feathers so he can fly with them, but once they arrive at the feast, he tricks them to claim all the food for himself. Enraged, the birds take back their feathers, leaving him to fall to the ground.
Theme: This story is a lesson in greed, betrayal, and its consequences. Tortoise tales, which are common across Nigeria, often depict the tortoise as a symbol of trickery and cunning, highlighting the cultural value placed on honesty and trustworthiness.