Unongo the Clever Tortoise – Unveiling the Wisdom of a Slow but Strategic Creature

I have dedicated years to studying folktales from around the globe, and South African stories hold a particular fascination for me. They often weave profound lessons into seemingly simple narratives, using animal protagonists to embody human traits and experiences. Today, I invite you to explore “Unongo the Clever Tortoise,” an 18th-century tale that celebrates wit over brute strength and emphasizes the importance of thinking before acting.

The story unfolds in a vibrant savanna setting, introducing us to Unongo, a tortoise renowned for his cunning mind rather than physical prowess. Unlike other animals who boast about their speed or strength, Unongo prefers contemplation and careful planning. This often leads him into amusing situations, as faster creatures underestimate him due to his slow pace.

One scorching afternoon, the animals are gathered by a watering hole, desperately thirsty. The water level is perilously low, and tensions rise as each animal vies for their share. A proud lion, boasting of his strength, declares he will scare away any who dare approach. A swift cheetah boasts about her speed, claiming she will reach the water first.

But Unongo, observing the unfolding drama from a shady spot under a baobab tree, hatches a clever plan. He knows that brute force and speed won’t solve the problem; instead, he relies on his intelligence.

Unongo approaches the lion, praising his strength but suggesting a more strategic approach: “Mighty Lion, your roar is indeed powerful. But wouldn’t it be wiser to use it to dig a deeper well, ensuring enough water for all?” The lion, impressed by Unongo’s ingenuity, agrees and starts digging with gusto.

The cheetah scoffs at the idea, declaring she can outrun everyone to the remaining water. However, Unongo proposes a different challenge: “Swift Cheetah, you are renowned for your speed. Perhaps you could fetch water from a distant spring?” The cheetah, eager to prove her worth, agrees and dashes off into the wilderness.

While the lion digs diligently and the cheetah races towards the unknown, Unongo quietly gathers leaves and twigs, meticulously building a dam around the shrinking watering hole. As the sun begins to set, the lion’s digging yields little success, and the cheetah returns empty-pawed.

But then, something magical happens: Unongo’s simple dam catches the remaining water, preventing further loss. The animals, initially skeptical of Unongo’s approach, are astonished by his foresight. They realize that while strength and speed can be advantageous, it is wisdom and thoughtful planning that truly overcome challenges.

Exploring the Deeper Themes of “Unongo the Clever Tortoise”

The tale of Unongo transcends a simple story about a thirsty group of animals. It delves into universal themes relevant to human experience:

• Wisdom over Might: Unongo’s triumph underscores the power of intelligence and planning over brute force or impulsive action. He demonstrates that thinking before acting can lead to more effective solutions.
• Humility and Observation: Unongo doesn’t boast about his abilities. He observes his surroundings, listens to others, and identifies their weaknesses. This highlights the importance of humility and keen observation in navigating complex situations.
• Collaboration and Sharing:

While Unongo devises the solution, he encourages the other animals to contribute, creating a sense of shared responsibility for overcoming the water shortage. This emphasizes the value of collaboration and finding solutions that benefit everyone.

Theme	Explanation
Wisdom over Might	Unongo’s intelligence allows him to find a solution that brute strength and speed cannot achieve.
Humility and Observation	Unongo doesn’t boast but instead listens and observes, understanding the needs of others.
Collaboration and Sharing	Unongo encourages the other animals to participate in the solution, fostering a sense of community.

“Unongo the Clever Tortoise” offers a timeless lesson: true strength lies not just in physical prowess but also in intellectual capacity, empathy, and collaborative spirit. It reminds us that by thinking critically, observing our surroundings, and working together, we can overcome challenges and create a better world for all.