One day, God appeared among the jungle animals, carrying a clay jar. He walked cautiously to a cave, placed the container on top of a rock, and looked around. Then, addressing the animals who had followed him happily and inquisitively, he said: “There is a great treasure hidden in this jar. I entrust you with guarding it jealously. In due course, I will return to show you what is inside.”
During the first few days, all the animals wanted to stand guard by the pot. However, when God took a long time to return, they grew tired and began to invent excuses to leave. “At night, I have to go out to find food, and during the day, I have to rest,” said the hyena. “So, I can’t stay here watching a jar.”
“Am I a scorpion to spend all day in a dark cave?” added the monkey. “Everyone knows that I always live among the trees in the open air.”
“I’m sorry, but I promised to go hunting with a relative of mine who lives beyond the lagoon,” said the leopard. And so, one by one, all the animals slipped away. Only the dog remained, lying in front of the cave all day with his muzzle on his paws and his eyes half-closed. He wasn’t asleep, though; as soon as he saw someone approaching – even if it was just a fly – he moved as if to say, “I’m here.”
If someone insisted on sticking their nose into the cave, the dog would wag his tail to chase them away. If that didn’t work, he would open his mouth wide and say, “Either you obey me, or I’ll eat you.”
Many months passed. The dog, now thin and hungry, was still lying in front of the cave when God approached him, walking briskly. ‘Where is the jar?’ he asked. “Here it is, where you put it.” “And where are the other animals?” asked God. “They saw that you were late and left.” God became serious. He struck his staff three times against the rock. At this signal, all the animals found themselves gathered at his feet as if by a miracle.
“The dog is the only one who has remained faithful to my command,” he said. He has remained in front of this cave for many months, waiting for my return, while you went off to have fun in the jungle.”
Approaching the jar, he touched it, and it shattered into a thousand pieces, revealing a beautiful, smiling child. “This is the treasure,” said God with satisfaction. “He will be called Human, and he will be your king. He will make you work the land, and when he is hungry, he may even eat you. The dog, on the other hand, will be his friend and accompany him wherever he goes. To commemorate the many months, he spent guarding the cave, human beings will build the dog a wooden kennel and share their food with him.
The animals lowered their heads in shame. The dog, excited, began to wag his tail. And ever since that day, whenever he meets his master, he wags his tail and barks happily, as if to express his gratitude and loyalty. (Folktale from Zambia) – (Photo: 123rf)
