In the beginning, the animals lived in the forests.
Then God called the animals. “Come!” he said, and the animals came.
Next, God built a big fire.
The animals were frightened and fled back into the forest.
“I’m not afraid!” bellowed the cow.
“I’m not afraid!” shouted the sheep.
“I’m not afraid!” bleated the goat.
God praised these animals and blessed them. “From now on,” he said, “you will live with the people. The people will feed you, and you will feed the people, and you will all stay warm by the fire, safe from the animals of the forest.”
[a Chok story from Kenya]
Inspired by: "Why Some Animals Became Domesticated" in The Suk: Their Language and Folklore by Mervyn W. H. Beech, 1911.
Notes: You can read the original story online. Beech conducted his research in the Baringo district of Kenya; you can find out more about the Suk/Chok people at Wikipedia. The name of the god in this story is Tororut, the Supreme God or Sky-God.
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