A2. Anansi & The Snake

Anansi The Spider Stories:

Introduction:

Anansi is a character from West African folktales. He's a spider who can become a man.

He is a trickster, and uses his cleverness to solve problems or get what he wants. He often competes with other animals and gods.

These entertaining stories have been told for hundreds of years.

Anansi stories teach life lessons and explain how the world works.

African slaves brought Anansi stories to the Caribbean, making him important there too.

Anansi & The Snake

Part 1

One day, Anansi the spider walked through the forest. He was hungry, but couldn't find any food.

Then, he smelled something delicious.

He followed the smell and found a big pot of stew. It was in front of Snake's house. Snake was famous for his cooking.

Anansi looked at the stew and his mouth watered. He wanted it, but knew Snake wouldn't share.

Anansi thought of a clever plan.

🐍🐍

He knocked on Snake's door. "Hello, friend!" Anansi called. "I have a problem. Can you help me?"

Snake came out, "What do you want, Anansi?"

Anansi pointed to a tall tree. "My son is stuck at the top of that tree. He's too scared to climb down. Can you help?"

Snake looked at the tree, then back at Anansi. "How can I help? I've no arms or legs."

"You're perfect," Anansi said. "You're long enough to reach the top! We'll tie one end of you to the bottom of the tree, then you can stretch up to save my son."

Snake, proud of his length, agreed. "Okay, let's try!"

Part 2

Anansi tied Snake's tail to the bottom of the tree. "Now stretch up," he said.

As Snake stretched up the tree, Anansi tied him to the trunk in many places. Soon, Snake was tied tightly to the tree, from top to bottom.

"I don't see your son," Snake called down. "Where is he?"

Anansi laughed. "Oh, I don't have a son stuck in a tree."

Snake was angry. "Untie me right now, Anansi!"

Anansi ran to the pot of stew and started eating. "Mmm, delicious!" he said.

Snake wiggled and twisted, trying to be free. But, Anansi had tied him too well.

🐍🐍

Anansi ate until the pot was empty. "Thanks for the meal, Snake," he said, patting his belly.

As Anansi walked away, he felt a little bad. "Don't worry," he called back. "The ropes will loosen soon, and you'll be free."

From that day, Snake never trusted Anansi again.

Anansi learned tricks might get you a meal, but can cost a friend.