Long ago, people and animals lived together. They all had tails, and they all needed salt which they had to bring from far away in Spirit-Land.
Elephant went to get salt. It was a long journey, and hazardous. The bag of salt was heavy, so Elephant tied it to his neck and dragged it along.
Then Man ambushed Elephant. He cut the rope and stole the salt.
Elephant told the animals, who vowed revenge.
They found Man asleep and cut off his tail.
"Oh!" shouted Man, waking up. "Where is my beautiful long tail?"
That's why people don't have tails.
Inspired by: "How Man Lost His Tail" in The way we lived: Ibo customs and stories
by Rems Nna Umeasiegbu, 1969.
Notes: You can read the original story online.
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