Why the Mosquito Buzzes in Your Ear

A Mosquito fell in love with the Ear. He would buzz around her all day, declaring his love. The Ear, however, was not interested. "You are small and annoying, and your voice is a constant whine," she said. "I will never marry you." The Mosquito was heartbroken but persistent. One day, he heard the Ear complaining that she was bored because she never heard any interesting secrets. The Mosquito saw his chance. He flew all around the village, listening to gossip, and then flew back and buzzed all the juicy secrets into the Ear. The Ear was fascinated. The Mosquito did this every day, becoming the Ear's personal news-bringer. Finally, the Ear agreed to marry him. But on their wedding night, the Mosquito, overcome with love, gave the Ear a small bite. The Ear, in pain and shock, slapped herself, and the Mosquito was killed. His dying buzz was a question: "Is this the price of love?" And now, all of the Mosquito's descendants are still in love with the Ear. They fly to her, buzzing the same question into her ear, and they give a small, painful bite to remind her of the love that was lost, which is why we slap our ears to this day.