Why the Snake Sheds Its Skin

In the beginning, Mawu, the Creator, tasked the serpent, Dan, with helping to shape the world. Dan was so long that he coiled himself around the earth to hold it together. He carried Mawu on his back as they created the mountains, the rivers, and the valleys. The work was hard, and after many ages, Dan grew weary. The sun had baked his skin and made it tight and old. He went to Mawu and said, "I have held the world together, and I have carried you through all of creation. But now, my skin is cracked and I am old. My work is done." Mawu looked upon the faithful serpent and felt pity. "Your work is never done," Mawu said. "But you have earned a reward for your service. You will not die like other creatures. Instead, whenever your skin grows old and weary, you will be able to cast it off and emerge new and young again, a symbol of renewal and eternity." And so, Dan, the serpent, sheds his skin to this day, leaving the old behind to be born again, a reminder of the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth that he helped to create.