The Story of the Chicken and the Eagle

The Story of the Chicken and the Eagle

The Story of the Chicken and the Eagle

Read this story

Once upon a time Chicken and Eagle were good friends. They lived together and shared everything, but both were featherless.

One day they decided to think of flying and they decided that they should sew or stitch feathers on for their wings. Eagle sewed his feathers on and tried flying. He got on well, and everyone was very happy. Chicken did not have a sewing needle and so he decided to borrow from Eagle. Eagle gave it to him and told him to handle it carefully because it was the only remaining needle that he had.

Chicken took the needle and started sewing feathers on to his wings whilst also watching Eagle. Because Chicken was distracted by Eagle, he did not sew his feathers on so well. He tried also to fly. But Chicken couldn’t fly as well as Eagle did, and as he was flying several times, he lost the needle.

I remember telling you to handle it with care and if you have
lost it, I will always be taking your chicks until you bring back my needle.

Eagle came back and requested for his needle. Chicken told him, “Wait my dear, let me look for it because I can’t remember where I have put it.”

Eagle told him, “I remember telling you to handle it with care and if you have lost it, I will always be taking your chicks until you bring back my needle.”

Chicken started looking and searching for the needle everywhere he went, whether he is in the rubbish or eating; but up to date, he is still searching for the needle whilst Eagle is always taking his chicks.

Reflections:
1) Was the punishment Eagle exercised on Chicken fair? Why or why not?
2) What does this story teach us about listening to others? About caring for others’ belongings?

Folktales Collected in Renk

Folktales Collected in Pibor

Folktales Collected in Bentiu

Folktales Collected in UNMISS PoC site, Juba

The Story of Chicken and Elephant

by Na'eesh Mabadh Team | Na'eesh Mabadh Radio Programme

Enjoyed The Story of Chicken and Elephant? Listen to the Na’eesh Mabadh adaptation of this folktale for radio.

Na’eesh Mabadh is a peacebuilding project inspired by South Sudanese folktales.
Learn more about this project on the Na’eesh Mabadh page.


The Story of Chicken and Elephant

The Story of Chicken and Elephant

The Story of Chicken and Elephant

Read this storyListen to Na'eesh Mabadh

Once upon a time, Elephant and Chicken were friends. One day they sat together and discussed about their differences. Elephant said that he is the best and the biggest animal in the whole forest. He is the best because he is very strong, big, and can do things that other animals cannot do.

Chicken told Elephant, “You are right, but being big and strong does not qualify you to be the best in the whole forest. We are all created in different ways but still, we are living things, and what all living things are doing is the same. You have forelegs to support you like I have wings to support me. We both eat and drink so I don’t see any difference that you are talking about.”

We are all created in different ways but still, we are living things

Elephant told Chicken that, “Though we both eat and drink, I still have the quality of being the strongest. What I am eating is even bigger than what you eat; and the water I am drinking is more than what anyone does. So no one can compete with me.”

Chicken told Elephant, “My friend, I myself can compete with you. What I eat and drink is more than you do.”

The argument continued and, as they were discussing, Mr. Hare appeared and asked them what the argument was all about.

Each of them explained and finally Hare told them, “There is no need to talk and talk. Come, and let us do it practically.”

They all agreed and Hare told them, “I will be the judge and I have to see who will be the winner. So now you can start by eating and then later drinking.”

So Elephant and Chicken started eating anything that was there and Hare stood by and watched them.

Elephant, within some hours, became satisfied but Chicken continued. Elephant and Hare were watching him eating, waiting for him to be satisfied, but all in vain. Chicken continued until the darkness covered everywhere. Hare feared to tell Elephant that the winner was Chicken and so he decided to escape slowly.

Chicken started croaking and when Elephant heard it, he could not wait anymore; he immediately ran away.

Up to now, when Elephant hears Chicken croaking, he does not wait because he reminds himself of the past incident. So Elephant cannot stand to hear Chicken croaking, once this happens, he has to run away as fast as his legs can carry him.

Up to now, if the Murle of Boma want to go for hunting, they have to take with them a cock to scare the elephants since there are very many elephants in the Boma forest.

Reflections:
1) What does this story tell you about about ‘greatness’?

Folktales Collected in Renk

Folktales Collected in Pibor

Folktales Collected in Bentiu

Folktales Collected in UNMISS PoC site, Juba

The Story of Chicken and Elephant

by Na'eesh Mabadh Team | Na'eesh Mabadh Radio Programme

Enjoyed The Story of Chicken and Elephant? Listen to the Na’eesh Mabadh adaptation of this folktale for radio.

Na’eesh Mabadh is a peacebuilding project inspired by South Sudanese folktales.
Learn more about this project on the Na’eesh Mabadh page.