The Hyena Who Tried to Be a Cow

A Hyena was very envious of the Maasai cattle. They were protected, well-fed, and admired. "I want to be a cow," the Hyena decided. He rolled in brown mud to cover his spots and practiced making a "moo" sound, though it came out as a strange laugh. He tried to sneak into the cattle enclosure (enkang) at night, thinking he could live a life of ease. But the cattle were not fooled. They smelled the predator and began to stampede in terror. The dogs began to bark, and the Maasai warriors rushed out with their spears. The Hyena's disguise was useless. He was driven out of the enclosure, lucky to escape with his life. The story is told to children to teach them that you cannot change your fundamental nature. A hyena will always be a hyena, and a cow will always be a cow. To pretend to be something you are not will only lead to chaos and rejection.