Story Summary
Discover the timeless African legend of Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, a tale where kindness and pride are tested by a disguised king in the ancient Zimbabwe.
Mufaro lived in a small village in Zimbabwe with his two daughters, Manyara and Nyasha. Manyara was beautiful but prideful and cruel, while Nyasha was kind and gentle, tending to her garden with love and befriending a small snake named Nyoka. When the King announced he was seeking a wife, both sisters were summoned to the Great City. Driven by ambition, Manyara set out alone at night to arrive first. Along the way, she encountered a hungry boy and an old woman, treating both with contempt and refusing to help. Nyasha followed the next day, stopping to share her food with the boy and offering her cloak to the woman. When they reached the palace, Manyara fled the king’s chambers in terror, claiming a five-headed monster lay within. But when Nyasha entered, she found only her friend Nyoka, who transformed into the King. Having tested them in disguise as the boy and the woman, the King chose the kind-hearted Nyasha to be his Queen, while Manyara became a servant in her sister's house.
The Moral
True beauty is found in kindness and humility; those who treat others with respect are the most worthy of honor.
“A king may see more than his eyes reveal, and a heart may give more than its hands possess.”
Fun Fact
John Steptoe, the author and illustrator of the most famous version, spent over two years researching Shona history and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe to ensure the illustrations were culturally authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters?
The story teaches that kindness, humility, and generosity are more valuable than outward beauty or ambition. Nyasha is rewarded for her selfless nature, while Manyara's pride leads to her downfall.
Where is Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters set?
The story is set in ancient Zimbabwe, drawing heavy inspiration from the Shona people and the historical site of Great Zimbabwe. The setting highlights the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
How are Nyasha and Manyara different?
Nyasha is gentle and treats every living thing with respect, while Manyara is selfish and seeks power. These traits are revealed through their interactions with the King in his various disguises.
How does the King test the daughters?
The King transforms himself into a hungry boy, an old woman, and a garden snake named Nyoka to test the sisters' hearts. Nyasha's kindness to these forms reveals her worthiness to be Queen.
Why is this story often compared to Cinderella?
It shares the 'persecuted heroine' motif where a kind girl is mistreated by a sibling but eventually rises to a position of royalty. However, it is unique for its specific African cultural roots and moral tests.
What happens to Manyara at the end of the tale?
Unlike traditional villains who are banished, Manyara becomes a servant in the Queen’s household. This reflects a lesson in humility and the consequences of her prior arrogance.
