Corn Islands Anansi Story: Mr. Rooster, Donkey, and Cat

Mr. Rooster, Donkey, and Cat were facing difficult times. Life had become hard where they lived, so one day they decided to leave and look for a better life. Together, they set out walking through the woods.

As night fell and darkness surrounded them, they met Mr. Lion. Afraid to continue deeper into the forest, they asked Mr. Lion for lodging. He replied, “Sure, my friends, you can come in and sleep. I will put you upstairs.”

Mr. Rooster, Donkey, and Cat went upstairs, while Mr. Lion stayed on watch below. The three friends knew that Mr. Lion intended to eat them, so they decided to take turns staying awake and watching through the night.

Mr. Cat was the first to keep watch. He stood alert, his whiskers high, carefully looking out for danger. After a while, Mr. Cat needed to relieve himself, so he went to the upstairs window.

Every now and then, Mr. Lion would come to check if Mr. Rooster, Donkey, and Cat were asleep so he could attack. Each time, he returned to his brothers and said, “We can’t attack yet, because one of the men is still awake, moving his pistol from left to right.”

Later, Mr. Donkey also needed to go to the window. As he leaned out, he lost his balance, fell, and made a loud noise. Suddenly, Mr. Rooster began to crow loudly, “Cu, cu, ru, cu!” Mr. Cat shouted, “Throw him to me!”

Hearing the noise and believing they were under attack, Mr. Tiger became frightened and ran away with his brothers. Mr. Rooster, Donkey, and Cat remained in the house, safe at last.

In this way, they finally gained what they were seeking: a home of their own.

This story was narrated by Mrs Alvina White (Mrs. Pally) in 2023