The Greedy Girl

all the witch-doctors of the kingdom, but none of them could do anything to help. So he decreed that all the women of the kingdom would come one morning to the city square, and there they would pound millet together until the sky shook and the gods answered his prayer. If this did not work, he swore he would kill all his wives, including the greedy girl.

At this, the greedy girl’s friend went to find her. “Come with me,” she said. They went back down the road that they had arrived on, back over the river and into the jungle, until they came to the bend where the girl had eaten the dogs. “Follow me,” said the friend, and they went into the jungle, far into the jungle, until they came to a hut.

An old woman lived in the hut. When the friend explained their predicament, she called the greedy

When she emerged from the palace into the square, the sun said “Oh - you are so beautiful! Shall I hide my face?” “Don’t be stupid”, said the girl. “If you do that, no one will see me. Stay where you are.” So the sun stayed.

The earth said “Oh - you are so beautiful. Shall I move away from beneath your feet?” “Don’t be stupid,” said the girl. “If you do that, I shall not be able to walk down to the king. Stay where you are.” So the earth stayed.

The king saw his young wife walking towards him, and he was astounded by her beauty. “Oh,” he said, “you are so beautiful. I will make you my first wife.” “Hmmm,” said the girl. “Where there are many, the one will be envied.” He was so astonished and delighted that she could talk he cried out, “You’re right!” and he sent all his other wives’ away, and he and the girl lived happily ever after.