The Spider Who Learned To Fly! A Tale of Perseverance and Clever Trickery From 14th Century Nigeria

Nigerians love to tell stories. In fact, storytelling is deeply ingrained in their culture, passed down through generations, weaving together history, morals, and entertainment. These tales often feature cunning animals like tortoises, mischievous monkeys, and even talking trees! Today, we’ll delve into one such captivating tale – “The Spider Who Learned To Fly!”

This story, originating from the 14th century, is a delightful mix of humor, wisdom, and surprising twists. It tells the journey of a spider who, tired of being earthbound, dreams of soaring through the sky like birds. Now, spiders are known for their intricate webs, not their ability to fly. But our little arachnid protagonist refuses to let limitations define him!

The Weaver’s Ambitious Dream

The story begins with Anansi, a clever and resourceful spider known throughout the forest for his wit and cunning. However, Anansi harbors a secret desire: he longs to experience the freedom of flight. He envies the birds who gracefully flit through the trees and soar high above the earth. Day after day, he watches them with longing in his eight eyes.

“Why am I stuck on the ground?” Anansi laments to himself one day. “I want to feel the wind beneath my legs, to see the world from a bird’s eye view!”

Determined to achieve his dream, Anansi embarks on a quest to find a way to fly. He consults with wise old owls, nimble squirrels, and even the grumpy crocodile lounging by the river. But none of them can offer him a solution.

Cleverness Takes Flight

Discouraged but not defeated, Anansi decides to rely on his own ingenuity. He carefully observes how birds use their wings and meticulously studies the aerodynamic principles at play. Finally, he devises a plan: using strands from his silk web, he will construct a pair of artificial wings!

Anansi spends days meticulously weaving together delicate yet sturdy wings. He attaches them to his back with a sticky resin he extracts from a nearby tree. With bated breath and a pounding heart, he prepares for his first flight.

He climbs to the top of the tallest tree in the forest, taking a deep breath and leaping into the air. For a moment, Anansi feels a surge of exhilaration as the wind rushes past him. His artificial wings flap valiantly, but alas, they are not strong enough to lift him. He plummets towards the ground with a disheartened thud.

Undeterred by his initial failure, Anansi learns from his mistakes. He realizes he needs stronger materials and a better understanding of aerodynamics.

He strengthens his wings with tougher spider silk, meticulously adjusting their shape and angle.

A Triumphant Ascent!

This time, when Anansi leaps from the treetop, something magical happens. His wings catch the wind, lifting him gracefully into the air. He soars above the trees, marveling at the breathtaking view.

The birds watch in astonishment as the spider effortlessly joins them in their aerial dance. They cheer for his success, recognizing his perseverance and ingenuity.

Anansi’s journey teaches us valuable lessons about chasing our dreams, regardless of perceived limitations. It highlights the power of creativity, hard work, and learning from mistakes. Just like Anansi, we too can achieve seemingly impossible goals if we possess the determination and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles.

“The Spider Who Learned To Fly!” – A Legacy of Inspiration:

This story continues to resonate with audiences today because it speaks to our universal desire for growth and fulfillment. It reminds us that even the smallest creatures can accomplish extraordinary feats with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart.

Here are some key takeaways from “The Spider Who Learned To Fly!”:

• Perseverance: Anansi’s unwavering determination to achieve his dream, despite initial setbacks, is truly inspiring.

• Creativity & Ingenuity: The spider’s resourceful use of his web-spinning abilities and keen observation skills demonstrate the power of thinking outside the box.

• Learning from Failure: Anansi doesn’t give up after his first failed attempt. He analyzes what went wrong and makes necessary adjustments to improve his design, a crucial element of any successful endeavor.

• Overcoming Limitations: The story encourages us to believe in ourselves and our abilities, regardless of perceived limitations or societal expectations.

A Tapestry of Nigerian Folklore

“The Spider Who Learned To Fly!” is just one example of the rich tapestry of Nigerian folklore. These stories offer a window into the culture, beliefs, and values of the people who have passed them down for generations. They entertain, educate, and inspire, reminding us of the power of storytelling to connect us across time and cultures.