Swahili Coast Folklore

Write a summary of the myth, or story.

The story was about a friendship between a monkey who lives in a tree and a shark that lives in the Indian Ocea. Their relationship grows until the shark invites the monkey to see the Sultan. The monkey follows the shark down but the shark admits that they only want to see him because the healer needed a monkey heart. The monkey said that he left his heart in the tree so he scurried up and never came back down. The shark tried to make him come down but to this day the monkey is cautious around the water. I interpreted this myth as saying keeps your friends close and your enemies closer. The shark was the monkeys friend but he also needed to keep in mind that he was a shark, a natural enemy to him.

Explain how the elements of the African myth, or story were incorporated into the myth.

What was entertaining about the myth, or story?

This story was entertaining because it personified to different animals that would not normally be speaking so it was slightly humorous. It was also entertaining because it was interesting to see the monkey outwit a shark by returning to his tree when his heart was in his chest the entire tim.e

What did the myth, or story teach about African culture?

The story taught me that African culture revolves around their environment and animals because nature, being the tree and the shark and monkey was the main subject of the story. It also taught me about African culture because it explained their lifestyle and how they might also apply the same principles expressed in the story, like keeping your friends close but your enemies closer.

How could you apply the myth, or story to your own life?

Everyone can apply the principle of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. In my life I like to keep my friends, family, and peers close to me but I keep my opponents and people I do not like even closer so I can understand what they are doing and prevent myself from coming into conflict with them.