Mbe and the Magical Drum

Mbe the Tortoise was given a magical drum by the river spirits. When he beat the drum and sang, "All things that live in the water, come and dance!" every fish in the river would leap onto the riverbank and dance until Mbe stopped drumming. Mbe used this to catch more fish than anyone. However, he was a terrible singer, and his wife, Olu, was much better. One day, Mbe was away. His wife, needing to feed their children, took the drum to the river and sang the magic song. Her voice was so beautiful that not only the fish, but the ancient and powerful spirits of the river themselves came out to dance. They danced with such fury that they created a great flood that threatened to destroy the village. Mbe, hearing the commotion, rushed back and had to beg the spirits for forgiveness. The spirits took back the drum, and Mbe lost his magic. The story teaches that a powerful tool used with a mediocre talent is safe, but when used with a great talent, it can unleash forces beyond one's control.