African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Test of Friendship African Folktale

In the African folklore story Dadua’s friend’s offer help in his darkest hour, his greatest time of need, but then they disappear.


Test of Friendship African Folktale, Dadua’s friend’s offer help in his darkest hour, his greatest time of need, but then they disappear.
Dadua in his darkest hour

Test of Friendship African Folktale.


Dadua had three friends. The first one was his very best friend from childhood. The second he loved beyond measure and the third, he loved like a father.

One day Dadua was accused of having killed a man, and he was served a summons to appear before the King's Court.

Test of Friendship African Folktale, Dadua’s friend’s offer help in his darkest hour, his greatest time of need, but then they disappear.

In the summons, it was stated that he was to bring, three reliable witnesses along with him—men who were known for their integrity and love of the truth.

He at once went to his very best friend and asked him to accompany him to the King's Court and witness in his behalf. Then he went to his friend he loved beyond measure, he too agreed to appear before the King on his behalf. Dadua went to visit his third friend and he agreed without hesitation to testify for his friend.

On the way to the King's Court, Dadua said to the first friend, whom was his best friend: "Friend, I pray you, testify in my behalf and stand up to the men who are accusing me of this foul murder!" But, the best friend became freighted of what might happen to him and turned back.

Dadua asked the second friend, whom he loved beyond measure, “You will stand up for me!” the second friend readily consented to do him this great favor. Likewise, he asked the third friend whom he loved like a father and once more, and he too was willing.

However, when the friends had come within hearing distance of the King's Court they heard how the King was in a terrible rage and became afraid and, like the first friend, they turned their back on their friend.

Dadua went into the King's Court alone having no one to testify on his behalf, was found guilty and put to death. He learned too late a friend whom you considered true and dear won’t always stand by your side in times of great trouble.


More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

  1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
  2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
  3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
  4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
  5. Mighty Little Hedgehog

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