Story Summary
Discover why Tortoise failed to hoard the globe's knowledge in Tortoise and the Wisdom of the World, a classic African folktale about humility and sharing.
Long ago, Tortoise decided he wanted to be the only wise creature in the world. He traveled to every corner of the earth, collecting every bit of knowledge and insight he could find, stashing them inside a large clay gourd. Once he was certain he possessed all the wisdom in existence, he decided to hide it atop a tall palm tree where no one else could reach it. He tied the gourd to a string and hung it against his chest. However, as he tried to climb, the bulky gourd got in his way, making it impossible to grip the trunk securely. His young son, watching from below, called out, 'Father, why not tie the gourd to your back so you can climb freely?' Tortoise paused, realizing that even with all the world's wisdom in his jar, his own child had thought of a solution he hadn't. In a fit of frustration and shame, he dropped the gourd. It shattered into a thousand pieces, and the wisdom escaped, blowing across the world for everyone to share.
The Moral
No single person can possess all the wisdom in the world, and it is often found in the most unexpected places.
“Wisdom is like a goat-skin bag; every man carries his own.”
Fun Fact
In many West African cultures, the tortoise is considered the wisest of all animals, yet these stories often show his wisdom being undone by his own vanity or greed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tortoise and the Wisdom of the World?
The moral is that no one can possess all the knowledge in the world. It teaches humility and the importance of sharing collective wisdom rather than hoarding it for oneself.
Why did Tortoise put the wisdom in a gourd?
Tortoise was greedy and wanted to be the only intelligent being in the world. He believed that by trapping wisdom in a container, he could control it and remain superior to all other animals.
Who told Tortoise how to climb the tree?
His young son pointed out the obvious flaw in his plan. This showed Tortoise that despite his efforts to collect all wisdom, he had overlooked a simple, practical solution that his son saw clearly.
Where does the story of Tortoise and the Wisdom of the World come from?
This is a traditional West African folktale, most commonly associated with the Akan and Yoruba people. It features the tortoise, a common trickster figure in these cultures' oral traditions.
What happened when the gourd broke?
When the gourd hit the ground and shattered, all the trapped wisdom was released. The wind scattered it across the earth, which is why knowledge is now found among all people and creatures.
Is Tortoise always a trickster in African folklore?
Yes, Tortoise (known as Ijapa or Mbe in different regions) is a classic trickster. He is often depicted as clever and calculating, but his schemes usually fail due to his own vanity or selfishness.