95. The Jackal and the Hyena

"Nothing hurts more than a sharp spear," said Hyena.

"No," said Jackal. "Lies hurt more than a sharp spear."

"Prove it!" said Hyena.

So Jackal took some honey-cakes and went to see Lion.

"O King," he said, "I offer you this treat."

Lion devoured the honey-cakes. "Delicious!" he roared. "What was that?"

"Hyena-Tears," said Jackal.

Then Lion visited Hyena. "Cry me some tears!" he said.

Hyena cried.

"These are salty!" growled Lion. "I want the sweet ones."

When Hyena couldn't produce honey-tears, Lion beat her until she was nearly dead.

Jackal was right: Lies hurt more than a sharp spear.

[a Hausa story from northern Nigeria]

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Inspired by: "A Lie can give more pain than a Spear" in Hausa Superstitions and Customs  by A. J. N. Tremearne, 1913.
Notes: You can read the original story online.

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