The Leopard’s Drum

Long ago, in the dense forests of West Africa, there lived a proud and powerful leopard named Osebo. Osebo was not only the strongest animal in the forest but also the most feared. He had a prized possession—a magical drum that could produce the most enchanting music. Whenever Osebo played the drum, the animals would gather to listen, mesmerized by its rhythm. However, Osebo was selfish and refused to share the drum with anyone. He guarded it jealously, allowing no one to touch it.

One day, the clever hare named Anansi decided that the drum should not belong to just one animal. "The drum’s music brings joy to everyone," Anansi thought. "It is not fair for Osebo to keep it all to himself." Determined to teach the leopard a lesson, Anansi devised a plan.

Anansi approached Osebo and said, "Great Osebo, your drum is truly magnificent. I have heard that its music can even make the trees dance. Is this true?"

Osebo, flattered by Anansi’s words, puffed out his chest and replied, "Of course it is true! My drum is the most powerful in the forest. No one can resist its magic."

Anansi pretended to be amazed. "I would love to see such a wonder," he said. "But I have heard rumors that there is an even greater drum in the forest—one that can make the mountains dance. Surely, your drum cannot compare to that."

Osebo was furious. "Nonsense! My drum is the greatest. There is no drum more powerful than mine!"

Anansi shook his head. "I do not doubt your drum’s power, but until I see it for myself, I cannot be sure. Why don’t you prove it by playing the drum and making the trees dance? If you succeed, I will spread the word of your greatness throughout the forest."

Osebo, eager to prove his drum’s power, agreed. He began to play the drum, and as the music filled the air, the animals gathered to watch. Anansi, however, had other plans. While Osebo was distracted, he quietly tied a long vine to the drum and hid in the bushes.

As Osebo played, Anansi tugged on the vine, making the drum move slightly. Osebo, thinking the drum was alive, played even harder. Anansi tugged again, and the drum began to bounce and roll. Osebo, now completely bewildered, chased after the drum as it moved through the forest.

The animals watched in amazement as Osebo ran in circles, trying to catch the drum. Finally, the drum rolled into a deep pit that Anansi had dug earlier. Osebo, unable to stop himself, tumbled in after it.

Anansi emerged from the bushes and called out to the animals, "Osebo has fallen into a pit! Let us take the drum and share its music with everyone!"

The animals cheered and helped Anansi retrieve the drum. From that day on, the drum was shared among all the animals, and its music brought joy to the entire forest. Osebo, humbled by his experience, learned to be less selfish and more generous.