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Anansi: Why Spiders Have Skinny Legs

Seth Hayes

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A West African Folktale

Once upon a time, there was a legendary trickster spider named Anansi. He was known for his cunning and his ability to outsmart even the most powerful creatures. One day, Anansi was walking through the forest when he came across a group of animals who were having a race. The animals were all very fast, and Anansi knew that he could not outrun them. So, he decided to use his cunning to win the race.

Anansi: Why Spiders Have Skinny Legs

by Toby Forward

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Language	:	English
File size	:	4875 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
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Screen Reader	:	Supported

Anansi went to the starting line and said to the animals, "I bet that I can beat all of you in a race." The animals laughed at Anansi and said, "You're just a small spider. There's no way you can beat us." But Anansi was confident in his plan. He said, "I may be small, but I'm very clever. And I know a shortcut that will help me win the race."

The animals agreed to let Anansi race with them. The race began, and the animals all took off running. Anansi, however, did not run. Instead, he went to the finish line and hid in the bushes. When the animals came running past the finish line, Anansi jumped out and shouted, "I win!"

The animals were furious. They said, "That's not fair! You didn't run the race." But Anansi said, "I never said I would run the race. I just said that I would beat you all in a race. And I did."

The animals were so angry that they chased Anansi all the way home. Anansi ran and ran, but the animals were faster than him. Finally, Anansi came to a river. He knew that he could not outrun the animals, so he decided to use his cunning to escape.

Anansi said to the animals, "I'm tired of running. Let's take a break and cool off in the river." The animals agreed, and they all went to the river to swim. While the animals were swimming, Anansi climbed up a tree and hid in the leaves. When the animals came out of the river, they could not find Anansi anywhere.

The animals were so frustrated that they gave up and went home. Anansi stayed in the tree until it was dark. Then, he came down from the tree and went home to his wife.

When Anansi got home, his wife asked him how he had won the race. Anansi told her about his plan, and his wife laughed and said, "You're a very clever spider." Anansi was proud of himself for winning the race, and he continued to use his cunning to outsmart his enemies.

But one day, Anansi's luck ran out. He was caught in a trap set by a hunter. The hunter was going to kill Anansi, but Anansi begged for his life. He said, "Please don't kill me. I'm a very clever spider, and I can be of great help to you."

The hunter was intrigued. He asked Anansi, "How can you be of help to me?" Anansi said, "I know where there is a treasure hidden. If you let me go, I will lead you to the treasure."

The hunter agreed to let Anansi go. Anansi led the hunter to the treasure, and the hunter was very grateful. He said to Anansi, "You have saved my life. What can I do to repay you?"

Anansi said, "All I ask is that you never tell anyone how you found the treasure. If you do, my legs will become skinny and weak."

The hunter agreed to Anansi's request. He went home and kept the treasure a secret. But one day, the hunter got drunk and boasted about how he had found the treasure. As soon as he said the words, Anansi's legs became skinny and weak.

Anansi was very angry. He went to the hunter and said, "You broke your promise. Now my legs are skinny and weak. I can't walk or run properly."

The hunter was sorry for what he had done. He said, "I didn't mean to break my promise. I was just drunk." But it was too late. Anansi's legs were skinny and weak for the rest of his life.

And that is why spiders have skinny legs today.

Moral of the story

The moral of the story is that it is important to keep your promises. If you break your promise, you will be punished.

About the author

Anansi is a legendary trickster spider who appears in many West African folktales. He is known for his cunning and his ability to outsmart even the most powerful creatures. Anansi stories are often told to children to teach them about the importance of being honest and true to their word.