The Hyena, the Hare, and the Talking Calabash

A lazy Hyena wanted to marry the chief's daughter but did not want to work the bride price. He went to the clever Hare and asked for help. The Hare gave the Hyena a sealed calabash. "Take this to the chief," the Hare instructed. "Tell him it is a magical calabash that can speak. But you must not open it." The Hyena, his curiosity overpowering him, opened the calabash on the way. A swarm of angry bees, which the Hare had trapped inside, flew out and stung him terribly. He arrived at the chief's court, empty-handed and covered in welts. The chief was angry at the foolishness. The story is a common West African trickster tale that demonstrates the Hyena's foolishness and the Hare's cunning, and it serves as a lesson against curiosity and trying to get something for nothing.