The Chameleon, Orunmila, and the King's Robe

A king declared that he would give a great prize to whoever could bring him a robe that contained every color in the world. Many weavers tried and failed. Finally, Orunmila, the Orisha of wisdom, was consulted. Orunmila went to the Chameleon and asked for his help. The Chameleon agreed. Orunmila took the Chameleon to the king's court. "Here is your robe," Orunmila said, placing the Chameleon on a white cloth. The king was insulted. "This is just a lizard!" he shouted. "Patience, King," Orunmila replied. The Chameleon then began to move. As it crawled onto the king's red stool, its skin turned a deep red. When it moved onto the queen's blue head-tie, it turned a brilliant blue. It moved across the yellow beads of a chief and the green leaves of a nearby plant, each time perfectly mirroring their color. The king was amazed. He had been shown that a robe of all colors could not be woven by man, for it was a magical quality that belonged only to nature and the gods. The Chameleon was honored, and the king learned a lesson in humility, acknowledging that true wonders are created by Olodumare, not by men.