Anansi and the Woodpecker's Bill

Anansi the Spider was a terrible farmer because he was too lazy to clear the trees from his land. His neighbour, the Woodpecker, had a magnificent, strong bill and easily cleared his own field, which produced a bountiful crop. Anansi, filled with envy, went to the Woodpecker. "Friend Woodpecker," he said with false sincerity, "I am a poor farmer. Please, lend me your amazing bill for just one day so I can clear my field and feed my family." The Woodpecker, though hesitant, was a kind creature and agreed. He lent Anansi his bill. Anansi took the bill, but instead of clearing his field, he used it to rob the king's storehouse, pecking a hole through the thick wooden wall and stealing yams. When the theft was discovered, the king's guards found the Woodpecker's bill left at the scene. The Woodpecker was arrested and accused of the crime. He pleaded his innocence, explaining he had lent his bill to Anansi. The king's men went to Anansi's house, and though they found no yams (he had hidden them), they saw the splinters from the king's storehouse caught in Anansi's web. Anansi's trickery was revealed, the Woodpecker was freed, and Anansi was disgraced, proving that a borrowed tool used for evil brings ruin only to the borrower.