The Rooster and the Hen: A Hilarious 15th Century Ethiopian Fable about Greed and Cleverness
Delving into the rich tapestry of Ethiopian folklore, one encounters a delightful array of tales brimming with wit, wisdom, and cultural nuances. Among these gems, “The Rooster and the Hen” stands out as a particularly humorous and insightful fable reflecting on the perils of greed and the importance of ingenuity. Dating back to the 15th century, this story continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a timeless lesson cleverly disguised in its charming narrative.
The story unfolds in a quaint Ethiopian village where a pompous rooster, convinced of his superior stature, boasts endlessly about his majestic comb and powerful crow. He views himself as the undisputed ruler of the farmyard, demanding deference from all other creatures. One day, he encounters a humble hen diligently scratching for seeds. Consumed by greed, the rooster hatches a ludicrous plan to steal the hen’s hard-earned meal.
He approaches the hen with feigned kindness, declaring his admiration for her industrious nature and offering “help” in gathering food. However, his true intentions are far from noble; he intends to snatch the seeds she finds and claim them as his own.
The hen, wise and perceptive, sees through the rooster’s facade immediately. Instead of confronting him directly, she employs a clever tactic.
She agrees to the rooster’s “assistance” but instructs him to stand at a distance and crow loudly whenever she unearths a particularly delicious seed. The unsuspecting rooster, blinded by his arrogance and eagerness for an easy meal, obliges enthusiastically.
As the hen diligently scratches, uncovering juicy morsels one after another, the rooster crows incessantly. His raucous calls attract the attention of the villagers who gather around, puzzled by the commotion.
Observing the rooster’s futile attempts to steal the hen’s food and his loud, self-congratulatory crowing, they burst into laughter. The villagers recognize the rooster’s greed and foolishness, while praising the hen’s wisdom and cunning.
Humiliated and exposed, the rooster slunk away, learning a valuable lesson about the consequences of his avarice. Meanwhile, the hen continued her work, enjoying the fruits of her labor and the respect earned through her cleverness.
“The Rooster and the Hen” serves as a delightful illustration of several important themes:
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Greed leads to humiliation: The rooster’s insatiable desire for more than he deserves ultimately backfires, leading to public ridicule and his downfall.
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Intelligence trumps brute force: The hen’s ability to outwit the physically stronger rooster highlights the importance of intellect and strategy in overcoming challenges.
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Honesty and humility are virtues: The hen’s honesty and unassuming nature contrast sharply with the rooster’s arrogance, ultimately earning her admiration and respect from the villagers.
This timeless fable transcends cultural boundaries, offering a universal message about the perils of greed and the power of intelligence and integrity.
Dissecting the Symbolism:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Rooster | Arrogance, Greed, Lack of Intelligence |
| The Hen | Wisdom, Humility, Resourcefulness |
| Seeds | Reward for hard work, the fruits of one’s labor |
| Villagers | Representatives of society who value fairness and intelligence |
The enduring popularity of “The Rooster and the Hen” highlights the power of folklore to transmit moral lessons across generations. This 15th century Ethiopian fable reminds us that true success lies not in brute force or material possessions but in qualities like kindness, humility, and ingenuity. It is a delightful reminder that even the smallest creature can outsmart the most powerful if they possess wit and a good heart.