By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
He Stole a Giant Yam at Night… But What Happened at Dawn Will Surprise You
Long ago in a quiet African village, there lived a hardworking farmer known for his dedication. One season, he planted a special yam seed that grew into the largest yam anyone had ever seen.
The villagers admired it, and the farmer guarded it carefully, tending it every day with pride.
Not far away lived Tortoise, famous for his clever tricks but also for his laziness. When he heard about the giant yam, greed began to grow in his heart. He decided he would take it for himself.
One quiet night, under the cover of darkness, Tortoise sneaked into the farm and dug up the enormous yam. But as he tried to carry it away, he realized it was far too heavy. Still, he refused to let go.
He pushed, dragged, and rolled the yam across the dirt road, becoming more exhausted with every step. The journey that was meant to be quick became long and painful.
By dawn, villagers passing by spotted him struggling. They quickly alerted the farmer, who arrived and reclaimed his harvest. Tortoise stood in shame, unable to explain his actions.
From that day forward, he learned a painful truth—what is taken through greed often becomes a burden too heavy to bear.
Moral Lesson:
Greed can turn what seems like a gain into a heavy loss.
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About The Author
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Fireside African Tales: He Stole a Giant Yam at Night… But What Happened at Dawn Will Surprise You