Why the Vulture is Not Eaten

During a great sickness that afflicted the gods themselves, all the animals were asked to carry a sacrifice to Mawu, high in the sky, to plead for a cure. The journey was long and difficult. The Eagle, proud and strong, refused, saying the sacrifice was too messy. The Hornbill, beautiful and vain, refused, saying the journey would ruin his feathers. One by one, all the birds refused, except the ugly Vulture. "The gods are sick," said the Vulture. "It is our duty to help them, no matter the cost." He took the messy sacrifice, placed it on his head, and flew for days until he reached the heavens. Mawu was so grateful for the Vulture's humility and selfless service that the sickness was cured. Mawu then declared, "For his deed, the Vulture is now a sacred bird. His ugliness shall be a mark of his honour, and no man or beast shall ever hunt him for food." This is why the Vulture is not eaten, and why it can eat from any sacrificed animal without fear, as it is forever collecting on the debt owed to it by the gods.