The Tortoise and the Duiker's Farm

The Tortoise and the Duiker (a small antelope) decided to farm a field together. The swift Duiker cleared the whole field while the Tortoise worked on just one small corner. When it was time to plant, the Duiker quickly planted his entire section, while the Tortoise planted only his small patch. The Duiker mocked the Tortoise for his slowness. When the rains came, a great flood washed away the entire field, which was on a low plain. The only part that survived was the Tortoise's small corner, which he had wisely planted on higher, rocky ground. While the Duiker's great and swift work had come to nothing, the Tortoise's small, slow, and thoughtful work provided food for them both. The story teaches a common Mijikenda value: speed and great effort are useless without foresight and wisdom (utsunga).