How the Tortoise Captured the Leopard

The Tortoise, Mbe, wanted to marry the most beautiful girl in the village, but her father set an impossible bride price: the suitor must bring him a live leopard. Mbe, undeterred, went into the forest. He did not bring a weapon. He brought a large gourd of palm wine and a small drum. He found the Leopard's den and began to sing songs of praise for the Leopard's strength and beauty, drumming softly. The Leopard, full of pride, came out to listen. "You are a fine singer," the Leopard said. "I am," replied Mbe, "but this feast is for a greater king than I. Would you like to join?" He offered the Leopard the palm wine, which the Leopard drank greedily until he fell into a deep sleep. Mbe then used his great cunning to tie the sleeping Leopard's legs together with strong creepers. He went back to the village and announced that he had captured the Leopard. When the villagers came and saw the mighty predator tied up, they were amazed. Mbe had used wisdom, not strength, to achieve the impossible and win his bride.