Anansi Borrows the Python's Skin

During a festival, all the animals were showing off their finest clothes. Anansi the Spider had nothing to wear and was jealous. He went to his friend, Onini the Python, who had a beautiful, shimmering skin. "Friend Python," Anansi said, "please lend me your beautiful skin for the festival. I will return it by nightfall." The Python, being kind, agreed. He shed his skin and gave it to Anansi. Anansi put on the skin and looked magnificent. He went to the festival and danced and feasted, receiving many compliments. However, when night fell, Anansi did not return the skin. The next day, the Python, now with a new, tender skin, went to find Anansi. Anansi refused to give the old skin back. "It is mine now," he declared. The Python grew angry and the two began to fight. In the struggle, the beautiful skin was torn to shreds. The Python, heartbroken at the destruction of his property and his friend's betrayal, vowed he would never trust Anansi again. And that is why pythons are wary of spiders, and why borrowing without returning is seen as a great evil.