Mbe na Nnụnụ — The Tortoise and the Birds

Long ago, during a time of great famine, the animals on earth were hungry. The crops had failed, and food was scarce.

One day, the birds discovered that there was a grand feast in the sky. The sky people had prepared abundant food — yam, soup, fruits, palm wine — more than anyone could imagine.

The birds were invited because they could fly.

But there was one animal who desperately wanted to go: Mbe (the tortoise).

Mbe was clever — very clever. He approached the birds and pleaded:

“My friends, we are all hungry. Please lend me feathers so I too can attend the feast.”

Out of pity, each bird gave him a feather. Mbe tied them together and fashioned wings for himself.

Before they flew, Mbe suggested something:

“Since this is a special occasion, everyone should take a fine name for the feast.”

The birds agreed.

When it was Mbe’s turn, he smiled and said:

“My name shall be ‘All of You.’”

The birds did not understand his trick.

When they reached the sky, the hosts announced:

“This feast is prepared for all of you!”

Immediately, Mbe stepped forward and said:

“You hear that? It is for me! My name is All of You!”

And so, he began eating everything — yam, meat, fruits — leaving almost nothing for the birds.

The birds were furious.

When it was time to return home, each bird quietly took back the feather they had lent him. Mbe was left without wings.

Desperate, he begged the birds to tell his wife to lay soft things on the ground — cloths, leaves, cushions — so he would not be hurt when he fell.

But the birds, still angry, told his wife to lay out hard objects instead.

Mbe jumped from the sky — and crashed onto the hard ground.

His shell cracked into many pieces.

Though he survived, his shell was forever rough and patched — which is why, to this day, the tortoise’s shell is uneven.

Moral of the Story

• Greed destroys trust.

• Cleverness without wisdom leads to downfall.

• Community should not be exploited.

• Pride and selfishness bring consequences.

Cultural Significance

In Igbo storytelling tradition:

• Mbe (the tortoise) represents cunning human behavior.

• Folk tales are often told by elders in the evening.

• These stories teach moral lessons to children.

• Proverbs and riddles often accompany the tale.

In Igbo culture, intelligence is admired — but wisdom and character are valued more.