Once upon a time, in a kingdom rich in culture and tradition, there lived a king known more for his folly than wisdom. His decisions were often hasty and misguided, leading his people into turmoil. The elders of the kingdom were deeply troubled, but none dared to confront the king directly.
In this kingdom, there also lived a spider named Anansi, famed throughout the land for his intelligence and cunning. Anansi, seeing the distress of the people, decided to teach the king a lesson in wisdom.
One day, Anansi spun a magnificent web in the royal garden where the king often walked. When the king saw the web, he was about to destroy it, deeming it an eyesore. However, Anansi, in a gentle voice, asked the king to spare his home. Surprised to hear a spider speak, the king paused and listened.
Anansi then proposed a challenge to the king. He would ask the king three questions, and if the king could not answer them, he must vow to seek counsel from his elders before making any decisions. The king, confident in his own wisdom, agreed.
The first question Anansi asked was, “What is so fragile that saying its name can break it?” The king thought hard but could not find the answer. Anansi revealed, “It is silence.”
The second question was, “What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?” Again, the king was stumped. Anansi smiled and said, “A postage stamp.”
Finally, Anansi asked, “What is it that no one wishes to have, yet no one wants to lose?” The king pondered but could not answer. Anansi explained, “It is a lawsuit.”
Having failed to answer any of the questions, the king was humbled. He realized that wisdom often comes from listening and considering the perspectives of others. He vowed to seek the counsel of his elders and advisors and became a much wiser and more beloved ruler.
Anansi, pleased with the outcome, disappeared back into his web, having imparted a valuable lesson to the king and the kingdom.