Many years back there was a king who not only ruled people but even animals happily served him as their master.
The hawk was one of the best subjects that the king had.
The hawk flew very fast and it delivered messages for the king and it had always been faithful to the king.
So once the king called the hawk. “Now that you are growing old I think it is time you choose a kind of animal as you should be able to easily hunt the animal for the rest of your life even when old age comes on you. So you can choose any animal of your choice to be your prey.”
The hawk flew everywhere to find suitable prey.
Soon after searching in every single place the hawk found a little owl.
The hawk first showed the owl to the king who had no problems with the owl being the king’s prey.
The hawk took the owl and showed the bird to its friends. “I have decided to have this animal as my prey.
The hawk's friends were a little curious. “What did the parent of the owl do when you picked up this little owl?”
The hawk thought for sometime. “They did not do anything. They were silent and just watched me as I took the little owl.”
Suddenly the friends of the owl looked terribly afraid. “Put the owl back in the nest and choose some other animal as you pray. Tell the king that this is not the prey that you wish. I am sure that the king would understand and let you choose some other animal.”
The hawk did not understand the nervousness of his friends but he decided to follow their advice.
This time however the other animals had realized that the hawk was looking for prey and they all stayed hidden to be away from the sight of the hawk.
At last the hawk found a hen in a farm and picked up a little chicken.
The other hens all squawked loudly and tried to chase the hen. The rooster came running after the hawk too.
But the hawk flew off with the chicken in its mouth.
This time too the hawk took the chicken and showed it to its friends. “This is the animal that I have picked to have as my prey for the rest of my life.”
This time too the hawk’s friends had the same question. “What did the others around this animal do when you tried to take it away?”
The hawk shrugged. “They were furious and they angrily squawked at me.”
The friend seemed very relieved. “Then this is good food for you.
The hawk was now confused. “Why did you not want me to have the owl as my prey? The parents of the owl were quiet and they did not do anything.”
The friend wisely nodded at the hawk. “The hen and the rooster only shouted and threatened you and tried to chase you away. You have nothing to fear from them. The ones you have to fear are like the silent owls who sit and watch and are silent when you hurt them. They will bide their time and attack when it is night. They are dangerous.”
Since then the hawk left the owls alone and had chickens as their prey.
Adapted from Folktales of Southern Nigeria
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