By Thorn Mulli
A long time ago, all animals had the power of speech. Human beings did not rule the world and the mighty lion did not have his impressive mane.
Peace prevailed in the Savannah for a long time but as the animals grew in number, disagreements increased. When it finally got out of hand, the animals sought the counsel of the oracle, Bundi.
Bundi advised that the only way to quell the tension was to select a leader who would act as judge.
A day before the election, Mama Nyani reported to the council that her mischievous son had disappeared. Kasuku, the village know-it-all, claimed that she had seen Nyani playing near the thorny hedge at the mouth of the Pango Caves.
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Nobody dared go near these caves as it was claimed that evil resided in them. Mama Nyani pleaded with the candidates contesting for leadership to help get her son back but none was willing to take the risk. They all gave excuses instead.
Only Simba remained and although he was scared, he felt sorry for Mama Nyani. He agreed to the challenge. With all the animals in tow, he headed to the caves.
When they got there, the animals stood at a safe distance. Simba proceeded to the mouth of the cave and bravely stuck his head into the hedge. The thorns pricked him making him scream. The scream echoed back from the caves scaring all the animals who ran for cover.
He screamed till his voice turned hoarse. It was so terrifying that it scared away the evil that held Nyani. Simba grabbed Nyani gently with his gleaming teeth and pulled him back but he couldn’t move. He was stuck.
Simba tugged and tugged. When he finally came free, the thorns remained round his neck. He laid a terrified Nyani on the ground but he quickly climbed up a tree where he prefers to stay to this day.
One by one the animals came out of hiding, frightened at Simba’s new look and voice. They all bowed before him and proclaimed him King. To this day, the thorns remain on Simba’s neck and he still has a terrifying roar that makes all animals scamper for safety.
