Story Summary
In Anansi Tries to Steal All the Wisdom, the trickster spider learns that knowledge cannot be hoarded after a clever observation from his young son, Ntikuma.
Anansi the spider, greedy for power, decided he wanted all the world’s wisdom for himself. He traveled across the lands, collecting every drop of knowledge and tucking it safely inside a large clay pot. Once the pot was full, he decided to hide it at the very top of a tall silk cotton tree where no one else could reach it. He tied the pot to his stomach with a sturdy rope and began to climb. However, the bulky pot bumped against his knees, making it impossible to grip the trunk. His young son, Ntikuma, watched from below and called out, 'Father, why don't you tie the pot to your back? Then you can climb easily.' Anansi paused, realizing that even with his pot of wisdom, his small son had more sense than he did. In a fit of frustration, he threw the pot down. It shattered into thousands of pieces, and the wisdom blew away on the wind, spreading to every corner of the world for everyone to share.
The Moral
No one person can possess all the wisdom in the world; it is a shared gift that belongs to everyone.
“If I have all the wisdom in this pot, then how is it that my small son had more sense than I?”
Fun Fact
Anansi stories are often called 'Anansesem' in the Twi language, which literally translates to 'spider tales.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Anansi Tries to Steal All the Wisdom?
The story teaches that wisdom is a collective resource that cannot be hoarded by a single individual. It emphasizes that even the most clever people can learn from others, regardless of age or status.
Who is Anansi the Spider?
Anansi is a prominent trickster figure in West African and Caribbean folklore, originating from the Ashanti people of Ghana. He often takes the form of a spider and is known for his wit, greed, and cunning.
Why did Anansi want to hide the wisdom?
Anansi wanted to be the only person with knowledge so that everyone would have to come to him for advice. He believed that controlling all the world's wisdom would make him the most powerful being.
How does Anansi's plan fail?
His plan fails when his son, Ntikuma, offers a simple suggestion to tie the pot to his back. This realization makes Anansi realize he doesn't actually possess all wisdom, causing him to drop the pot in anger.
Where do Anansi stories come from?
These tales originated with the Akan people of Ghana and spread to the Caribbean and Americas through the Transatlantic slave trade. They became symbols of resistance and survival for enslaved populations.
What happens to the wisdom at the end of the story?
When Anansi drops the clay pot, it shatters into pieces, and the wisdom is scattered by the wind. This explains why wisdom is now found in small amounts in people all over the world.