African Food and Art

Thank you to our latest donor, Tony. Thank you, Tony. We were able to purchase three new stainless steel pots to continue our cooking and teaching heritage.

Tall Tale Why Flies Bother Cows African Folktale

Have you heard the African folktale about flies bothering cows? It's a beloved story among both children and adults, serving as a reminder to always keep one's promises. According to the tale, if the cow had fulfilled its promise to the fly, it would not still be burdened by the pesky insect today.


Why flies bother cows African folktale is loved by children and adults as a reminder to always keep your promises.
Remember to always keep your promises

Tall Tale Why Flies Bother Cows African Folktale


As the ancestors say, when Kpo Umo was Queen, being very rich and hospitable, she used to give big feasts to all the domestic animals, but never invited the wild beasts, as she was afraid of them.

At one feast she told the cow to sit at the head of the table and serve the food to the other guests. The cow was happy that she was in charge of the food; she served the first course but forgot the fly, because he was so small.

When the fly saw this, he called out to the cow to give him his share, but the cow said: "Be quiet, my friend, you must have patience."
When the second course arrived, the fly again called out to the cow, but the cow was becoming annoyed and cut her eyes at the fly, and told the fly he would get food later.

When the third course was served, the cow purposely ignored the fly. The poor fly sat at the table and cried. At last all the dishes were finished, and the fly, having been given no food by the cow, went to bed hungry.

The next day the fly complained to the queen, who decided that, as the cow had presided at the feast, and had not given the fly his share, for the future the fly could always get his food from the cow wherever she went; and even at the present time, wherever the cows are, the flies can always be seen feeding off the cow for their dinner in accordance with the queen's orders.
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