How the Monkey Got His Tail

Gather round, children, for the tale of Kwaku the tailless monkey and his extraordinary journey to earn the magnificent tail that all monkeys wear today. This is a story of perseverance, courage, and the divine rewards that come to those who dedicate themselves to serving others, no matter how impossible their dreams may seem.

In the beginning, monkeys had no tails at all. They swung through trees using only their strong arms and nimble fingers, and while they were skilled climbers, their movement lacked the grace and balance that we see in monkeys today.

Kwaku was the smallest and most determined of all the monkeys. He dreamed of becoming the greatest tree-dancer in the forest, moving with such grace and balance that even the birds would pause their songs to watch. But without a tail for balance, his movements were clumsy and uncertain.

One day, Nyame announced that he would grant one special gift to any creature who could complete seven acts of selfless service. Kwaku knew this was his chance. Despite being mocked by larger, stronger animals, he set out on his quest.

His first act was rescuing a baby bird that had fallen from its nest during a storm. Though he fell many times trying to climb back up the slippery trunk, Kwaku persevered until the chick was safely returned to its mother.

For his second act, Kwaku spent days gathering rare medicinal fruits for an elderly elephant who was too weak to forage for herself. The journey took him to the highest branches where the fruits were small and difficult to reach, requiring many dangerous climbs.

His third act involved staying awake for three nights to guard a family of rabbits whose burrow was threatened by predators. Though exhausted, Kwaku never left his post, using his quick wits to lead the dangers away from the helpless young ones.

The fourth act required Kwaku to solve a territorial dispute between two groups of birds by finding a solution that honored both their needs. Through patient listening and creative thinking, he helped them discover a way to share the disputed tree.

For his fifth act, Kwaku organized the forest animals to help repair damage from a severe storm, coordinating their different abilities to restore fallen trees and clear blocked streams. His leadership brought the community together in ways that hadn’t been seen before.

The sixth act was perhaps the most challenging: Kwaku had to convince a lonely and bitter old buffalo to rejoin the community. Through daily visits, patient conversation, and genuine kindness, he gradually helped the buffalo heal from past hurts and rediscover trust in others.

Finally, for his seventh act, Kwaku shared his own food supplies with hungry travelers passing through the forest, giving away everything he had stored for the dry season without any guarantee that he would have enough for himself.

When Kwaku completed his seventh act of service, Nyame appeared before him in a shower of golden light. “Your heart is pure and your dedication complete,” the Sky God announced. “You shall receive not just a tail, but the most magnificent tail in all creation—one that will give you perfect balance, grace in movement, and the ability to express joy through dance.”

As Nyame spoke, a beautiful tail grew from Kwaku’s body—long, strong, and perfectly designed for the graceful movement he had always dreamed of. But more than that, the tail seemed to have a life of its own, helping him maintain perfect balance and adding elegance to every movement.

Kwaku’s transformation inspired all the other monkeys in the forest. Seeing the beautiful gift he had earned through service to others, they too began dedicating themselves to helping their community. One by one, as they learned to put others’ needs before their own desires, they too received the gift of tails.

Soa adwo na wo anya dua - Serve others and you will receive your gifts.

And so it is that every monkey’s tail reminds us that our greatest achievements come not from pursuing our own glory, but from dedicating ourselves to the wellbeing of others. True gifts are earned through service, perseverance, and the courage to keep trying even when success seems impossible.