Once upon a time when the ear, Eti, was a beautiful woman and before she became attached to Ori, the head, many suitors wanted to marry her.
There were all sorts of suitors proclaiming their love for her. There were big, tall and strong ones, skinny, rich and handsome ones, and short, brave, and clever ones. There were even animals who came to ask for Eti’s hand. The suitors showed off their skills hoping to impress Eti. But their displays made it even harder for her to choose.
Efon, the mosquito, was one of Eti’s many suitors. “Beautiful Eti” he told her, “would you marry me? I promise to take good care of you”. Eti was not impressed that such a small creature also sought to marry her. “I’ve turned down princes, warriors and the rich men so what makes you think you have a chance” she said rudely. “You’re so small you will probably be dead in a week, so how would you take care of me?!” “No, I will never marry you” she declared. Everyone laughed at Efon. “What a silly mosquito” they laughed.
Efon felt really embarrassed. He loved Eti but she was rude to him in front of everyone, “I’ll teach her to make fun of me. Dead by the end of the week she said. We’ll see about that.” He muttered as he flew away.
From that day on, whenever the mosquito saw Eti or any of her children, whether they are at the market or at home, he would fly right up to her and buzz loudly, “Emi re. Mi o ti ku” which means, “here I am, I’m not dead yet”. To remind her of her harsh words she said to him.
So, if you have ever slapped yourself trying to stop a mosquito buzzing in your ear, now you know why.
The End.
The Moral of the Story:
This story teaches about the importance of politeness and respect. It is important to respect everyone no matter how little or big they are.
