A Python slithered into Guinea-Fowl’s nest, wrapping around her eggs.
Guinea-Fowl screamed.
Elephant came. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Python wants to eat my children,” said Guinea-Fowl, sobbing.
When Elephant saw Python, he ran away.
Then Lion came. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Python wants to eat my children,” said Guinea-Fowl, weeping.
Lion also ran when he saw Python.
Next, Ant came. “Why are you weeping?” he asked.
“Python wants to eat my children,” said Guinea-Fowl.
Ant grabbed Python and bit him, hard.
Python slithered away; the eggs were safe.
“You are bravest of all, Ant!” said Guinea-Fowl. “You saved my children.”
[a Lamba story from Zambia]
Inspired by: "The Guinea-fowl and the Python" in Lala-Lamba Handbook by A. C. Madan, 1908.
Notes: You can read the original story online, and you can also read the Lamba text. For more about the Lamba people of Zambia, see Wikipedia. And, yes, pythons do eat guinea-fowl eggs. Compare this Congo version where the other animals are not afraid, but instead they are going to kill the python in a way that smashes the eggs too: How the ants saved the partridge's eggs.
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