Tiger had a mango-tree, and Anansi wanted some of Tiger's mangoes.
"Will you give me some mangoes?"
Tiger said, "No!"
"Can I buy some mangoes?"
Tiger said, "NO!"
Then Anansi said, "You know, there's a big storm coming. A real big storm. You better tie yourself to that tree before the wind blows you away."
"Tie me!" said Tiger.
Anansi tied Tiger to the tree, but no wind came.
"When's that storm coming?" asked Tiger.
"No storm," said Anansi. "I just wanted your mangoes."
Anansi climbed the tree, took the mangoes, and left Tiger behind, still tied to the tree.
Inspired by: Jamaica Anansi Stories by Martha Warren Beckwith
Notes: This is story 1a in the book. Beckwith heard this story from Vivian-Bailey; additional information in Beckwith's notes. The story goes on to explain how Tiger asks for help getting untied from the tree until someone finally unties him. She pairs this with the story of Anansi tying tiger to the tree with the excuse that he is cleaning lice from tiger's fur: Anansi Ties Tiger. There's a Brer Rabbit story where Rabbit ties Lion to a tree because of the hurricane that's coming: Brer Rabbit Ties Mr. Lion.
And then Anansi burst out laughing at how gullible Tiger was!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of that time you and your girlfriend tricked me into being tied up!
DeleteThat was mean because he took advantage of Tiger's trusting nature to get mangos
ReplyDeleteHow else did he expect to get the mangoes? Tiger wouldn't give them to him so he had to use deception!
Delete