Animal Folk Tale : ELL ( Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears: A West African Tale INSPIRED

In the muddy deeps of the Congo Basin, animals were trying to find a new way of living. The ones they had called two legged savages had established order before they had. The animals decided that order was needed, and had gathered together by the “big stump” to try and appoint a leader.



Billy Bonobo: As a representative of the monkey family we believe that the Congo should have NO ruler. This is our home and home to every species, by voting for a King it will bring turmoil, destruction and jealousy. WE MUST ALL BE KINGS.



(Animals whispering)

Silverus Slither , slithered up to Bonobos feet, interrupting all further thoughts.

“FFFFFOLISHNESS.. There has to be a king, I suggest it be someone who is not hunted for their meat as often, a graceful creature one that has agility and could kill the two legged creature with one bite.’’

Melvin Mosquito: I agree! Not to sound conceited but I am in the best position for the job , thank you for your recognition Silverus.

Slither: BUZZ OFF!

The animals snickered.

SILENCEEE OPAL OKAPI SCREAMED. It was the first time the animals has seen such a beautiful figure like herself enraged. They knew that she meant business. “Tommy the Tortoise has something to say”.

Tommy Tortoise: Well ……………. I …. Know …. That…. You ….. All …. Probably

MOOVVVE OUT THE WAY OLD MAN! A VOICE ROARED

Tall bulky shadows now surrounded the treetop, where the animals were. It was the elephants. They terrorized that the animals, knocking down everything in their paths, two destroying crops and homes. The animals knew they were a force not to be reckoned with.



“WEE ARE THE KINGS” Elliot Phant SAID. His voice alone sent vibrations through the other animal’s bodies.

Okapi mustered up every ounce of courage she had : “Elliot, we are voting on our leader, this is out of your hands.”

“ NOTHING IS OUT OF MY HANDS!” ELLIOT RESPONDED! US ELEPHANTS ARE THE ALL MIGHTY ONES” he yelled, swinging his trunk from side to side.

“Please leave” the animals cooed in unison.

“WE SHALL QUENCH OUR THIRST FOR POWER, IF NOT WE SHALL QUENCH OUR THIRST FOR BLOOD!” Elliot stamped out of vision while the rest of his tribe behind him.

The other animals were scared, “OH NO’s filed the air.

“Calm down guys, enough.” Okapi said trying to hold her own fear. “They will not hurt us, tonight there will be a ballot, and each member has to write the name of who they think will be leader in front of their homes” she said while passing around thin sheets of wood.

The animals all got a piece, crawling on the forestry back into their own homes. Later that night Elliot and the tribe decided they would control the ballots and waited for the sun to set. As the darkness consumed the Congo, the Elephants truly mastered the art of creeping. They approached then monkey’s home, which was high above the trees. The monkeys had their ballots neatly stacked ready for collection.



Elliot the Elephant raised his trunk, about to signal his partners in crime to do the same, when he felt an unfamiliar feeling dissatisfaction. It ran through his blood and squeezed his tung, it brought pain and sadness. Elliot ran to the water ducking his trunk trying to nourish this strange feeling, his gang doing the same afraid of what would happen if they did not. Elliot the Elephant and his gang are told to be doing the same thing until this day.