The Tortoise's Song

During a terrible drought, all the water holes dried up. The animals were dying of thirst. The only one who knew where to find water was the Tortoise, who had stored some in a secret place. The animals begged him to share it. The Tortoise agreed, but on one condition. "You must carry me to the place, and as you carry me, you must sing my song," he said. The song was very complex and had to be sung perfectly. One by one, the animals tried. The Hyena carried him, but his voice was a horrible laugh, and the Tortoise made him stop. The Ostrich tried, but his voice was just a low boom. Finally, the beautiful Kudu antelope carried the Tortoise. Her voice was so sweet and she sang the song so perfectly that the Tortoise was pleased. He led her to his hidden spring, and she and her family were saved from the drought. The story illustrates the idea that access to life-giving resources (water) is granted not through strength or begging, but through beauty, respect, and the proper performance of a ritual (the song).