How the Rhinoceros Got His Bad Temper

In the beginning, the Rhinoceros was a gentle grazing animal with smooth skin. He was also, however, very vain. A cunning Hyena, who was jealous of the Rhino's strength, told him, "You are strong, but you lack the fearsome appearance of a warrior. I have a magic horn that will make you the most respected creature on the savanna." The Hyena convinced the Rhino to let him attach a large, sharp horn to his nose using sticky tree sap. He also convinced him to roll in mud to look more intimidating. The horn did indeed make the Rhino look fearsome, but the sap hardened like stone, and he could not get the horn off. The mud dried and cracked, making his skin thick and folded. The other animals, seeing his terrifying new appearance, ran from him. He was left alone, ugly, and permanently angry at the trick that had been played on him. This is why the Rhino is a solitary, aggressive, and bad-tempered creature—he is forever furious about his own vanity.