The tale of the Plantain-eater, a bird known for its vibrant plumage and self-centered cries, reflects a moral lesson about procrastination and self-reliance. Unlike other birds that prepared nests for shelter, the Plantain-eater relied on others during storms, making excuses to avoid building its own. Ultimately, it faced rejection and discomfort, embodying the consequences of failing to act responsibly when given the chance.
Source
Among Congo Cannibals
by John H. Weeks
Seeley, Service & Co.,London, 1913
► Themes of the story
Cunning and Deception: The Plantain-eater attempts to deceive others into providing shelter instead of taking responsibility.
Community and Isolation: The bird’s refusal to contribute by building its own nest leads to its isolation during adverse conditions.
Conflict with Nature: The Plantain-eater’s lack of preparation leaves it vulnerable to natural elements like rain.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Bantu peoples
The Plantain-eater is a gaudy-plumaged bird, not quite so large as a Cockatoo. It is called by the natives Lukulu[1]koko. Its notes are, Kulu! kulu! kulukoko! hence the natives say, “It is always talking about itself.”
All the birds built nests so that when it rained they could shelter and remain dry. The Plantain-eater, however, never troubled to build a nest, but when the rain fell in torrents he went to a neighbour and said: “Let me come into your nest out of the rain.”
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But his neighbour answered him: “No, go and cut some palm fronds and build your own nest.”
The Plantain-eater, at this reply, went off crying: “Kulu! kulu! kulukoko! Wait until the rain stops, and then I will fetch fronds to build my nest.”
By and by the rain ceased and the neighbours called out: “Plantain-eater, the rain is finished, now get your fronds for nest building.”
But the Plantain-eater said: “I will stop where I am, and when it rains I will raise my shoulders and put my head under my feathers, and the rain will not hurt me.”
The next time it rained, however, he found it was very unpleasant to be out in it; and again he asked to be allowed to enter a neighbour’s nest, but he was driven off. Thus it always happened that when it rained he intended to build a house; and when it was fine he said he did not need a house, but would put his head under his feathers.
And that is why the Plantain-eater is seen jumping from branch to branch in the rain, trying to enter other people’s nests, making all kinds of promises in the rain, and only talking loudly and boasting in the fine weather of what he will do.
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