The Animals' Banquet

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

The Animals' Banquet

Bukki the Hyena and Njombar the Rabbit had been invited to a grand banquet given by His Majesty Uncle Gaïnde the Lion for all his subjects. But to have the right to eat, everyone had to arrive “ON HORSEBACK.”

All the animals were getting their horses ready except our two friends, Bukki and Njombar.

“Bukki, I don’t have a horse and I might not be able to go to the wedding and that would be a real shame.”

“Me neither, my friend. What to do? Missing the party would be terrible.”

“I have an idea.”

“Quick my friend. Gaave ma.”

“I’m going to dress you as a beautiful horse and we will go to the feast together. I’ll slip you food on the sly with each new course.”

It was agreed, and our two friends left for the party, the rabbit riding the hyena disguised as a horse. At the door, Njombar was received with great honor and Bukki the horse was put with the rest of the horses.

The first dish was served, and its delicious aroma made Bukki’s mouth water. Njombar ate with great appetite and, licking his chops, went out to Bukki.

“My dear friend, Uncle Gaïnde is about to give the welcoming speech, but I don’t want the delicious smells to make you think I’ve forgotten you.”

“Oh no! Take your time, I can wait,” replied Bukki.

So our rabbit went back for the second course, even more succulent and flavorful than the first. Once again, he ate eagerly and then went out and recounted the same story to his friend, who was beginning to grow impatient.

“Our host Uncle Gaïnde,” Njombar said, “is going into every last detail. That’s why the speech is taking so long.”

“At any rate,” replied Bukki, “I am very hungry. Come back and bring me my food as soon as the speech is over.”

Njombar returned once more to the banquet hall, devoured the third course, and went back to his friend with tears in his eyes. He said with a sob,

“Gaïnde has finished his speech by asking us to sacrifice our horses before eating, and the idea of having to cut your pretty throat makes me ill.”

“Quick, get on my back. You are a good friend. Let’s leave this awful place right away,” said Bukki. Njombar didn’t have to be asked twice. He climbed right on, and Bukki had been duped once again.



Yàkkamti ak gawtu ñooy jur rëccu.
Fast action without thought only leads to regret.